Vice President Kashim Shettima has mourned the death of the Special Adviser and Focal Person on Human Capital Development for Kaduna State, Alhaji Sagir Balarabe Musa, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s human capital development community.
Balarabe Musa, who also served as Chairman of the North-West Focal Persons Forum, died on Sunday after months of illness.
In a personal tribute on Monday, Shettima, who chairs the Steering Committee on National Human Capital Development Programme 2.0, described the late adviser as a patriotic and selfless leader who dedicated his life to improving the welfare of Nigerians.
“Alhaji Sagir Balarabe was a man who understood that the true wealth of any nation lies in its people. He worked tirelessly to ensure that policies and programmes translated into real impact in the lives of citizens”, the VP said.
Shettima said Balarabe’s contributions to the Human Capital Development agenda would remain a reference point for effective leadership and public service.
“His commitment, humility, and passion for building people will continue to inspire all of us working to strengthen human capital outcomes across Nigeria,” he added.
Also mourning the deceased, the National Coordinator of Human Capital Development 2.0, Rukaiya El-Rufai, described Balarabe Musa as a devoted public servant, a man of deep faith and a bridge builder whose contributions advanced the Human Capital Development agenda across Kaduna State and the North-West region.
According to her, the late adviser viewed investing in people as a personal responsibility and remained passionate about developing human potential throughout his career.
“He was a man who considered investing in people a personal responsibility. His passion for developing human potential defined both his work and personal engagements,” she said.
El-Rufai added that Balarabe was widely respected for his humility, intellectual depth and willingness to mentor others, particularly emerging leaders in the Human Capital Development space.
She said his efforts to strengthen collaboration among states and to establish functional Human Capital Development structures would continue to influence development outcomes across the region.
The HCD National Coordinator extended her condolences to the Kaduna State Government, the family of the deceased and members of the Human Capital Development community, praying for Allah to grant Balarabe eternal rest and comfort those he left behind.
