Buhari mourns Statistician-General, ex-PHCN MD

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with family, friends and associates of Dr Simon Harry, the Statistician-General of the Federation, who passed away Wednesday.

He also shared in the grief, following the passing of former Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement, Joseph Makoju, who served as Special Adviser to two Presidents and Managing Director of National Electric Power Authority (Power Holding Company of Nigeria).

Also commiserating with the government and people of Plateau State on the loss of Harry, “an illustrious citizen,” he noted his exemplary contributions to the evolution of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the developmental planning of the country.

President Buhari paid tribute to the late Statistician-General worked conscientiously with previous heads of the organisation in recent years, providing relevant data to government and making the NBS a point of reference on various issues affecting the country.

The President affirmed that with his appointment in August, 2021, Dr Harry ensured that the organisation where he had put in three decades continued to be relevant in taking crucial decisions in the country, urging colleagues in the field of data gathering and analysis, especially at the NBS, to take solace in the fact that having risen to the pinnacle of his career, the late Dr Harry put in his best in the service of the country.

He prayed that God will repose his soul and comfort the family in this time of grief.

On the demise of Makoju, President Buhari condoled with family members, the Government and people of Kogi State, colleagues and associates of the seasoned technocrat, who deployed his knowledge, skills and experience to the service of his country and humanity.

He expressed his belief that Makoju’s historic contributions to the development of the nation will always be remembered, particularly in the power and cement sectors, where he held notable positions, which includes heading West Africa Portland Cement Company (WAPCO), part of Lafarge, and distinguished himself.

President Buhari prayed for the repose of the departed soul, and God’s covering over his family.

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Meanwhile, the NBS management has mourned the death of their boss. According to a statement by the NBS, “With a deep sense of loss, the Board, Management and Staff of the National Bureau of Statistics, announce the passing of the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics Dr. Simon B. Harry.

“Dr Harry passed away in the early hours of today, Wednesday, April 13th 2022 after a brief illness.

“Until his passing, Dr. Harry was actively and passionately transforming the Bureau into a modern National Statistical Office.

“He was a visionary leader, who led by example. He was kind and always tending to the needs of others. 

“He will be sorely missed. May his soul Rest In Peace, and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss.”