Former Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Ufot Ekaette in the eight-year administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, is dead. He was aged 80 years.
He was also the first minister of Niger Delta Affairs in the administration late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Ekaette had also served as principal secretary to former military head of state, Yakubu Gowon. His time at the civil service saw him rise to the position of permanent secretary.
In a statement on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari, from New York where he is still attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, expressed shock and grief over the death of the former SGF. Buhari described Ekaette as “a consummate administrator.”
The president in the condolence message, praised the former SGF as “a gentleman who had given his best in the service of his country.”
“The late Ekaette would always be remembered not only for his remarkable public service record but also because of his immense contributions towards bringing peace in the once-troubled Niger Delta region.”
Buhari assured that Ekaette’s contributions would never be in vain as the country would always appreciate and remember his great contributions. He prayed that God consoles the family he has left behind.
