Ambassador Sheikh Uthman AbdulAzeez, a retired high-ranking intelligence officer of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and former Nigeria’s ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, has passed away at the age of 71.
The Ilorin-born diplomat died on Saturday night following a brief illness.
His death was announced on Sunday by the incumbent president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji AbdulMumin AbdulMalik. The statement from the union’s president expressed profound grief: “With heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I announce the passing of a one time National President of the IEDPU, Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman.”
The announcement further noted that “We lost this servant of Allah to the cold hands of death after a brief illness on Saturday. He will be buried on Sunday (today).”
The IEDPU statement concluded by asking for prayers for the family, adding: “May Allah grant Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman Al-Janat Firdaus.”
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Prominent Nigerian figures reacted to the death with sadness. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, described AbdulAzeez as a “man of great character” whose life “positively impacted his community.”
Similarly, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, expressed deep sadness over the “deeply painful and irreplaceable” loss. Saraki described the deceased as a “seasoned diplomat, distinguished security intelligence expert, respected elder statesman, community leader and a pillar of unity.”
In a statement signed by Saraki’s Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki asserted that AbdulAzeez’s life was “marked by selfless service to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.”
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, through his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, described the passing as a “monumental loss” to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity, extending his condolences to the IEDPU and the bereaved family.
Ambassador AbdulAzeez’s professional life was distinguished. Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, on February 18, 1952, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Geography (1977) and later obtained Master’s degrees in Urban and Regional Planning (University of Jos) and Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan in 2002).
After serving his National Youth Service Corps, he transitioned into federal service in 1985 as a pioneer staff member of the NIA, where he eventually rose to the top ranks.
His career included serving as Director of Financial Crimes in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Drugs and Financial Crimes between 2000 and 2001, where he was involved in efforts that led to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His diplomatic and intelligence roles took him to countries such as Egypt, Angola, Liberia, and China, where he served as Nigeria’s ambassador starting in 2010.
During his ambassadorship, he notably hosted the launch of Nigeria’s satellite on December 21, 2011.
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