The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Joda, a former Permanent Secretary and founding member of NESG, died on Friday in Yola, Adamawa at the age of 91.

The late Joda was also the Chairman of the 18-member transition committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to receive handover notes from the outgoing Dr Goodluck Jonathan-led administration in 2015.

A statement issued by NESG Chairman, Asue Ighodalo, said that the group would always remember the late elder statesman for his efforts which led to the birth of the group in 1993.

“We at NESG mourn the passing of Alhaji Ahmed Joda, a distinguished former Permanent Secretary, who was, for us, not just an elder statesman but also, a thought leader and founding father.

“His keen intellect and tireless efforts helped birth the Nigerian Economic Summit in 1993.

“Alhaji Joda was notable for his vision of a Nigeria without ethnic or religious bias; that is secure and prosperous. He contributed to this by leading tirelessly and serving passionately during his lifetime of service to the nation.

“At NESG, we rededicate ourselves to advancing that mandate in the national interest,” he said.

Ighodalo added that the NESG would always be inspired by Joda’s forthrightness and doggedness in paving the way for a globally-competitive economy and business environment for Nigeria, despite the odds.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family at this time. May Allah grant him Aljannat Firdaus,” he said.

NAN