ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the death of the country’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, in Türkiye after a prolonged illness.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that Lele passed away in the early hours of April 19 in Ankara.
Lele, a career diplomat, was serving as Director overseeing the Middle East and Gulf Division at the ministry before his death.
READ ALSO:France withdraws envoy, Troops From Niger Republic
He had recently been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, following confirmation by the Senate.
Born in 1976 in Gamawa, Bauchi State, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, and joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 2001.
During his career, he served in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Berlin, Germany; Lome, Togo; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ebienfa described him as a dedicated and distinguished diplomat, recognised for his intellectual depth and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
The ministry stated that the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, alongside senior officials, received Lele’s remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday after they arrived from Istanbul.
Lele was laid to rest on April 22 in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites.
The ministry also extended its condolences to his family, colleagues, and the government and people of Bauchi State.