An elder statesman, former Minister of Finance, and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 88. A family source confirmed to our correspondent that the respected statesman passed away in Abuja after a brief age-related illness. During the peak of his career, he played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s public administration and economic policy. However, the family source said details would be made public soon in accordance with Islamic rites. Some historical accounts state that he came to be known as “Alhaji Alhaji” because he was born on the day of Eid (Sallah) and later performed the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.