Obasanjo mourns Tanzania’s First Gentleman, hails support for President Samia

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the late husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as a “First Gentleman who carved a unique path” in the history of the East African nation.

Obasanjo expressed his condolences to President Samia over the death of her husband in a letter made available to journalists on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.

In the condolence message addressed to the Tanzanian President in Zanzibar, Obasanjo said the late Hafidh chose to remain away from the political spotlight, dedicating himself instead to agriculture and family.

He said: “Rather than seeking the noisy glare of the political spotlight, the late First Gentleman remained a humble and dedicated agricultural academic, choosing to anchor his wife and family with quiet grace.”

According to Obasanjo, Hafidh stood by President Samia throughout their decades together, including the period before she assumed the responsibility of leading Tanzania.

“He stood by your side through the decades, long before you took up the monumental task of leading your great country, providing the warmth of home and a steady anchor,” he said.

The former Nigerian leader described Hafidh’s death as not only a personal tragedy for President Samia and her children, including Wanu, but also a loss to the wider East African community.

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Obasanjo said the news of Hafidh’s passing was received with “a deep sense of shock and profound sorrow,” extending his condolences on behalf of his family and himself to the Tanzanian President and the entire bereaved family.

He urged President Samia to draw strength from her late husband’s legacy of peace, dignity and steadfast support throughout their shared journey.

“The loss of a lifelong companion and pillar of strength is a heavy burden to bear, but I pray you find comfort in the enduring legacy of peace, quiet dignity, and steadfast support that he exemplified,” Obasanjo stated.

He added that the family could take solace in the meaningful life Hafidh lived and the legacy he left through his family’s continued contributions to public life and society.

“May the Almighty God grant you the fortitude and divine comfort needed to bear this irreparable loss, and may He grant the soul of our dear brother, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, eternal rest,” Obasanjo prayed.