ex-Nigerian Ambassador J.T. Kolo dies after slipping in his bathroom

J.T. Kolo, a one-time Nigerian ambassador to Italy, died yesterday morning in Minna, the Niger State capital. He was aged 74.

A community leader and well-respected elder statesman, Ambassador Kolo was permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance, and subsequently head of service during the Second Republic administration of Governor Awwal Ibrahim.

It was gathered that Ambassador Kolo slipped in his bathroom at his Minna home yesterday morning and was found dead hours later by a domestic staff.

Niger State governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu described the death of the former head of the Niger State civil service as a great loss to the nation, adding that he would be missed for his wisdom and love for Nigeria.

In a condolence message contained in a press statement signed by his chief press secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, Governor Aliyu said Ambassador Kolo’s death came at a time the guidance and advice of great leaders like him were needed to help steer the ship of state.

Governor Aliyu said he was however comforted that the great values the deceased left behind would serve as guiding light not only to his former colleagues in the state and federal civil service but to the entire nation.