President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to Ex-Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Alhaji Ahmed Joda, who died in his hometown, Yola, Adamawa State on Friday.
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.
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.
