In a condolence letter on Friday, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, on behalf of the board, management and staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, describes the demise of late Joda, who died on Friday at the age of 91, as an irreparable loss to the entire nation.

Extolling the deceased’s virtues, Danbatta observed that Joda was “a nation builder, a consummate statesman, an administrator par excellence, a dedicated philanthropist, an egalitarian patriot, a fountain of inspiration, an honest and hardworking person during his lifetime.”

According to Danbatta, late Joda “will, indeed, be remembered by all Nigerians, particularly the staff of the Commission and the people of Adamawa State.”

He said the Commission would remember the legacy and foundation Joda laid as the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission for a decade, and “how he led in setting the tone for the exponential growth in telecommunications service provision in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

“Our thoughts and sympathy are with the entire family at this grieving period, while we pray for his soul to continue to rest in perfect peace. May the Almighty Allah grant him Jannatul firdaus and also give the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences,” he said in the letter.

Born in Yola in 1930, Alhaji Joda was a retired first-class Federal Permanent Secretary, who served as the Chairman, Board of Commissioners of NCC for 10 years, commencing from 2001 when the commercial launch of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) service started in Nigeria.

The Board, under Joda’s 10 years chairmanship, set the tone and foundation for the digital revolution in Nigeria, which has positioned the sector as a major contributor and enabler to overall socio-economic and political transformation in the country till date.

Late Ahmed Joda was recipient of multiple national and international honours and other prestigious awards, recognising his outstanding performance and contribution to the development of Nigeria.

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Joda died after a prolonged illness in his hometown, Yola, Adamawa.

Joda was the last surviving member of Governor Hassan Usman’s Northern Nigeria cabinet.

In a condolence message released by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Friday, Buhari,  highlighted Joda’s “monumental contributions to Nigeria’s unity and progress,” from birth of the nation until his death.

According to the president, Joda’s lofty ideals will continue to motivate millions across the nation.

“We will not forget his sacrifices,” he added.

He also noted that the late “Super Permanent Secretary” as Joda and some of his colleagues were referred to in the 70s,  “distinguished himself as a remarkable scholar, journalist, intellectual, public servant and farmer.’’

President Buhari called Joda “a hero for all Nigerians” who, even in death, “will continue to inspire every generation to move forward with love, brotherhood and harmony.”

He prayed to Allah to accept his good deeds and grant fortitude to those he left behind in his family, Adamawa Emirate Council and entire people of the state,  to bear the loss.

Source: NAN

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