Osinbajo: Ishyaku Rabiu’s Life ‘a Source of History and Landmark’

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Friday commiserated with the family of the late Kano businessman, philanthropist and Islamic Cleric, Isyaku Rabiu, noting that he made significant contributions to the economy and lives of many Nigerians with his generosity.

According to a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, Prof. Osinbajo said  the late Rabiu served the people of Kano and Nigeria well.

Osinbajo described him as “a true son of Kano state and a true son of Nigeria, who throughout his lifetime made significant contributions to the entire country, a contribution that was not only economic, a contribution to the lives of so many, so many, hundreds of thousands benefited from his generosity, benefited from his kindness.”

The statement reads: “I am here on a very sad mission to commiserate with my brothers, the Rabiu brothers, on the passage of our brother, Sheikh Khalifa Rabiu, a true son of Kano State and a true son of Nigeria, who throughout his lifetime made significant contributions to the entire country; a contribution that was not only economic, a contribution to the lives of so many, hundreds of thousands benefited from his generosity and from his kindness.

“I met him the last time when I was here to pay condolence visit to the family of Alhaji Maitama Sule. He was there and he spoke very well and I was much impressed by the fact that, at his age, he was still so alert.

“But we thank God Almighty for preserving his life for so long, for ensuring that in his lifetime he did not deviate. He lived his live well, he served the people of Kano; he served the people of Nigeria.  And all through his life, he remained an example of the kind of people we should expect in the position of leadership: integrity, honesty.  It’s so important to be able to find people like him who say, “This is what I stand for” and you can be sure that is what he stands for.

“So I am so honoured to be able to celebrate him today, and at the same time comfort my brothers, the members of the family who have lost a dear one.  I’m here to say that this is not only a loss to you; he is a loss to Kano State, a loss to Nigeria and, indeed, a loss to the world. His life will remain for us who are left behind a source of history and a landmark. I pray that we remain in the very high standard, a very high value that he left behind.”