Zamfara State Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi, has died at the age of 50.
Shinkafi reportedly died on Wednesday in Kaduna following a brief illness.
Governor Dauda Lawal expressed sadness over his death, describing it as a major loss to the state government, his family and the people of Zamfara.
In a condolence statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor said the news of the commissioner's death came as a shock.
He said, “With heavy hearts and in total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (T), we received the shocking news of the passing of the Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi.
“Tasiu’s death is a great loss not only to his family and the state government, but also to the people of Zamfara.”
Lawal recalled that Shinkafi previously served as Commissioner for Youth and Sport before he was transferred to the Ministry of Commerce.
He described the late commissioner as a dedicated public servant, adding that his contributions to governance, politics and public service would remain part of his legacy.
The governor also prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased's shortcomings and grant his family the strength to cope with the loss.