Ex-presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed loses brother

Mouftah Baba-Ahmed, brother to former Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has died. He died at the age of 64 in Madina, Saudi Arabia. The deceased, described as both a businessman and a distinguished public servant, passed away after a brief illness. Confirming the death to Daily Trust on […]

Mouftah Baba-Ahmed, brother to former Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has died.

He died at the age of 64 in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

The deceased, described as both a businessman and a distinguished public servant, passed away after a brief illness.

Confirming the death to Daily Trust on Wednesday, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said the family had flown Mouftah to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after he became critically ill before transferring him to Madina, where he died and is expected to be buried.

“I don’t know what to say to you. For me, he was a businessman, a very active citizen involved in so many aspects of life. He had a distinguished public service career.

“And he died with a lot of goodwill. He fell ill and was flown to Jeddah. Four days ago, the family decided to move him to Medina, and he passed away this (Wednesday) afternoon.

“There are a few brothers between me and the deceased, who I referred to as my younger brother, but not my immediate younger brother. He was 64,” he said.

He prayed to Allah to grant the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus.

Another family member, Abba Tahir Abba, who announced the death on his Facebook page, described the late Mouftah as a man of great kindness.

“We lost Baba Mouftah (Mouftah Baba-Ahmed), my beloved mother’s uncle, in the blessed city of Madina.

“He was a man of kindness and thoughtfulness, always reaching out to congratulate me whenever something good happened in my life.

“He often shared religious messages and videos with me, where we exchanged reflections and views with sincerity and humility. I will truly miss those exchanges. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus,” Abba wrote.

Mouftah Baba-Ahmed was born in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He obtained his B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Lagos, and attended Harvard Institute of International Development as well as the London Business School.

His career included several high-profile roles, such as Turnaround Manager at Aksen Textiles Ltd, Lagos (1986–87), Secretary of the Committee on Development Finance and International Trade (1987–88), Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Technical Committee on Privatisation and Communication (1988–92), and head of Finance and Administration at the National Electric Power Authority (1992–97).

He also served as Chairman of NAL Bank Plc, Executive Vice Chairman of African Investment Corporation, and director at several companies, including Impresit Bakolori Plc, Incar Nigeria Plc, Automotive Components Industry Ltd, and Chartered Investments UK.

He was also active in national initiatives such as the National Integration Group and the Nigerian Institute of Management.