President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigeria Football Association president and veteran sports administrator Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima describing his passing as a major loss to Nigerian sports.
Galadima a prominent figure in football administration and community leadership died on Saturday at the age of 78.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga the president paid tribute to the Kano born administrator and noted that his contributions to the growth of football in Nigeria remain significant. Tinubu described him as a committed sports promoter whose influence covered both grassroots and elite levels and said his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The president said Galadima’s efforts in football development will be remembered for a long time and added that Nigeria has lost a dedicated servant who gave his best to national development through sports.
Galadima served in several key roles at both state and federal levels including chairman of the Kano State Sports Council and as a two time commissioner in the state. He later rose to national prominence as president of the then Nigeria Football Association between 2002 and 2006 before it was restructured into the Nigeria Football Federation.
Beyond sports administration he was also a respected traditional and community leader. After leaving active service he was turbaned as the Galadiman Fagge becoming the traditional head of the Fagge community in Kano State.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to Galadima’s family the government and people of Kano State and the wider sports community in Nigeria and beyond. He prayed for the repose of his soul and for comfort for all those mourning his passing.
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