The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf Wushishi, has died, eight months after assuming office.
His death occurred on Friday, with news reaching Minna, the Niger State capital, around the time of Juma’at prayers.
Wushishi, who previously served as Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Niger State chapter, had reportedly fallen ill shortly before his passing.
His death has plunged political circles and associates across the state into mourning.
His Special Adviser on Media, Stanley Nwosu, confirmed the news to Vanguard. “Yes, it is true. The NPC chairman died after a brief illness,” Nwosu said.
Tributes have since poured in, including from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who called the death “shocking and sad news.”
In a statement, Idris described Wushishi, the Talban Wushishi, as “a close associate” whose “brief tenure at the NPC” reflected “dedication to national development.”
He said the commission chairman’s “detailed planning and commitment to delivering a credible and technology-driven census” demonstrated a “deep sense of responsibility” toward leaving a lasting mark on Nigeria’s development.
Idris extended condolences to the government and people of Niger State, the Wushishi community, and the deceased’s family, colleagues and NPC staff, praying that he be forgiven his shortcomings and granted Aljannatul Firdaus.
