Babangida Mourns Prof Jubril Aminu, Says He Was Illustrious Leader

By Ayodele Oni

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has remarked that Prof Jubril Aminu  played his part as an illustrious leader of this great country, and an educationist par excellence.

He described the death of one of his Ministers as a huge loss to him, stressing that he will be missed by both family members and friends who had opportunity to cross his path.

General Babangida, in a statement he personally signed, said he received the news of the sudden demise of his good friend, associate, compatriot and patriotic Nigerian, Professor Jibril Aminu, with a heavy heart.

Babangida noted that he least expected this, even though the highly intelligent and cerebral Prof Jibril Aminu battled with ill-health in the latter part of his sojourn.

The former Military President noted that the late Prof Aminu was still his eloquent self each time they spoke, going down memory lane, about their encounters and interventions in the public space.

In the words of Babangida; “He was one of our reservoirs of knowledge who was deeply steeped in the affairs of nation and was ready to break the old traditions to make room for new initiatives and innovations.

“Both as Honourable Minister for Petroleum and Honourable Minister for Education, Prof. Jibril Aminu was an awesome enigma who created a niche for himself and left huge footprints in the sands of time.

“Aminu was an embodiment of class and distinction, whose sense of patriotism was eternal. For me, this is a huge loss.

“No doubt, Prof Aminu has played his part as an illustrious leader of this great country, and an educationist par excellence whose sense of duty was exemplary.

“His love for the country was exceptional and his services to the nation were priceless. He will be missed by both family members and friends who had opportunity to cross his path.

“He was a devout Muslim who exemplified his humanity by sheer love, care, kindness and solidarity. He was a team player who ensured that the right things were done to deepen conversations around governance for the good of all.

“He was a confidant whose sincerity and honesty of purpose was infectious.

“I will miss him so passionately. Nigeria has lost a great mind, an intellectual of no mean repute, a cerebral educationist who made his mark in the course of serving his fatherland and also impacting knowledge to a great majority of those who encountered him.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant his soul aljanah firdaus.

“Rest in peace, our dear Professor of quintessential emanations. May Allah grant his family the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” Babangida enthused.