Dare mourns death of ex-sports minister Ka’oje

Nigeria’s former Minister of Sports, Bala Bawa Ka’oje, has died at the age of 60.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, described Ka’oje’s death as a huge loss to not only his family and friends, but the country at large.

A statement on Tuesday by spokesman for the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, said the country’s sporting fraternity was thrown into grief with Ka’oje’s death.

It quoted NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, as describing the deceased as “a dignified and unassuming public servant who showed great passion and interest in the development and improvement of Nigerian sports.”

Ka’oje, born in Kebbi State on 20th September 1960, had a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

His remains were interred in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon, according to the NFF, which was represented by its General Secretary, Sanusi, and Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammed.

Dare, in a separate statement, said, “Shocking to learn about the death of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Engineer Bala Bawa Kaoje. So sad that Nigeria has lost a very illustrious son who served this country meritoriously. His death has robbed Nigeria of another bright mind and committed public servant. This is not just a loss to his family and friends, but the country in general.

“He made his mark while serving as Minister of Youth and Sports. He was a multi-talented man who served his people and the country with all his mind and might. May God console his family and grant him eternal rest.”