The Presidency a few hours ago, announced the passing of Alhaji Tijani Yusuf, one of the top officials at the State House, who was said to have died in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a brief illness.
According to the statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the late Alhaji Tijani Yusuf, who was popularly called TJ died at the age of 63, and was until his transition, the Special Assistant (Special Duties) to Jalal Arabi, Permanent Secretary, State House, Abuja.
Garba Shehu described the late Yusuf as a very likeable and unassuming gentleman, saying :
“Tijani Yusuf was known for his excellent administrative skills, most notably, his pivotal roles during Swearing-in/Oath-taking ceremonies of top appointees of the Federal Government before Nigerian leaders.
In recognition of his meritorious services, Yusuf was given the national honours of Member of the Order of Niger, (MON 2006), and Officer of the Order of Niger, (OON 2012) after receiving several commendation letters including one from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Deployed to the State House in 1994 from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, he rose to the rank of Director in 2013, and retired in 2016 after decades of serving several Nigerian military and civilian leaders.
Following his mandatory retirement on the basis of age, he was appointed Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary.
The late Yusuf will be sorely missed by the Management and Staff of the State House.
After prayers at the Abuja National Mosque, his remains were conveyed for interment in his hometown, Minna, Niger State.
Alhaji Yusuf was married and had children” he said.