- Buhari, Dogara mourn
John Shiklam in Kaduna, Omololu Ogunmade and James Emejo in Abuja
The Chairman of Chachangi Airlines, Alhaji Ahmadu Chachangi, has died.
He died in the early hours of yesterday following his deteriorating health, family sources said.
According to the source, the businessman had been facing some health challenges for sometimes, adding that his condition became critical and had to be rushed to Abuja for medical attention.
However, on the way to Abuja, he gave up the ghost along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
He is survived by three wives and about 33 children, including Rufai Chanchangi, a member of the House of representatives.
He has since been buried according to Islamic rite at the Bashama road cemetery at the Tudun Wada area of Kaduna.
The burial was attended by hundreds of sympathisers.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, have extended their condolences to the Chanchangi family on the death of their benefactor.
Buhari in a statement by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, also commiserated with the government and Taraba, his state of origin, and Kaduna where he lived, on the demise of the notable entrepreneur whom he said used his wealth for the advancement of the welfare of others instead of pursuing conspicuous consumption in a society overwhelmed by poverty.
The statement added that the president joined friends, well wishers and the business community in mourning the deceased whom he said passed on at a time humanity needed his compassionate services most.
The statement also commended Chanchangi’s selfless commitment to humanitarian affairs, which he said was demonstrated in his decision to offer succour to those in need by sponsoring community enlightenment programmes and uplifting of people’s spiritual well-being.
It added that Buhari believed that Chanchangi, who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity would be long remembered for his resourcefulness, discipline and passion for hard work as he prayed Allah to bless his soul and reward his good deeds with Aljanna.
On his part, Dogara, has expressed sadness over the death of Chanchangi.
In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker commiserated with the Chanchangi family, friends and associates over the death of the renowned business mogul.
He described the deceased as a great philanthropist, community leader and businessman whose legacy of charity and humanitarian service to the people endeared him to everyone across all divide.
According to him: “Death is a necessary end that must come when it shall. We are however, consoled that late Chanchangi contributed positively to the development of the society during his life time. He left an indelible footprint on the sand of time and a legacy of philanthropy, community development and service to his society and the nation.”
Dogara admonished the children and grandchildren he left behind to emulate the virtues of honesty and hard work which their late father and grandfather represented.
“On behalf of the leadership and the entire members of the House, I sincerely extend our heartfelt condolences to our colleague, Hon. Rufa’i and the entire Chanchangis. May God grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
