Former Minister of Sports and Chairman of defunct National Sports Commission, Bala Bawa Ka’oje, has died at 60 on Tuesday morning.
Nigeria Football Federation’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, announced the demise of the former Minister, saying that Ka’oje was interred in Abuja this afternoon, January 19.
Olajire said NFF was represented by the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammed.
Reacting, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare described the death of the former Minister as a huge loss to the sports industry and the country at large.
The minister in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr John Joshua-Akanji on Tuesday in Abuja described Ka’oje as a multi-talented man who was patriotic to his country.
He expressed;
It is shocking to learn about the death of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Bala Ka’oje. 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. I pray the good Lord grants rest to his soul.
Born in Kebbi on 20th September 1960, Bala Bawa Ka’oje earned a Master’s degree in structural engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Ka’oje was a Minister in Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
May his soul rest in peace.
