* His death a huge loss to sports, says Sunday Dare
Former Minister of Sports, Bala Bawa Ka’oje, has died aged 60 years.
In a statement titled ‘Former Sports Minister Ka’oje dies at 60, buried in Abuja’ on Tuesday, Nigeria Football Federation’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, said the country’s sporting fraternity was thrown into grief with Ka’oje’s death.
His remains were interred in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon.
The NFF was represented by the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi and Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammed.
Sanusi described the deceased as “a dignified and unassuming public servant who showed great passion and interest in the development and improvement of Nigeria sports.”
Born in Kebbi on September 20, 1960, Bala Bawa Ka’oje earned a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has described Kaoje’s as a huge loss not only his family and friends, but the country at large.
Mr. Dare said: “It is shocking to learn about the death of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Engineer Bala Bawa Kaoje; so sad that Nigeria has lost a very illustrious son who served this country meritoriously. His death has robbed Nigeria of another bright mind and committed public servant.
“This is not just a loss to his family and friends, but the country in general. He made his mark while serving as Minister of Youth and Sports. He was a multi-talented man who served his people and the country with all his mind and might.
“May God console his family and grant him eternal rest,” the minister wrote.