President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow following the death of a towering figure in Nigeria's commercial landscape, Alhaji Bature Abdulaziz. The influential businessman and community leader from Kano State passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, after a brief illness.
A Nation Mourns a Commercial Pillar
In a statement released on Monday, January 19, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted the extensive impact of Abdulaziz's passing. The president described the loss as one deeply felt not only within the Kano business community but across numerous sectors of the Nigerian economy due to the deceased's significant influence on commerce.
The late Bature Abdulaziz was 76 years old at the time of his death. His son, Ismail Abdulaziz, confirmed that his father succumbed after a short illness, leaving the family and community in mourning but grateful for his immense contributions.
Tinubu's Personal Tribute and Condolences
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the Kano State government, the state's business community, and the grieving family. He specifically acknowledged the support he received from Abdulaziz during the campaigns leading to the 2023 presidential election.
Furthermore, the president praised Abdulaziz's persistent advocacy for national unity and patriotism, which he championed through the Patriotic Elders Network for Peace (PENP), an organization he founded. This aspect of his work underscored his role as a leader committed to Nigeria's cohesion beyond business.
The funeral prayers for Alhaji Bature Abdulaziz were held on Sunday, January 18, at 10 a.m. The rites took place at his residence in Yankaba Quarters, Kano, drawing mourners from various walks of life.
The Legacy of a Kano Statesman
Born in 1950 in Adakawa Quarters, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Bature Abdulaziz carved a legacy as a pivotal leader in Nigerian trade. At the time of his death, he served as the National President of the Harmonised Traders Association of Nigeria, among other key roles in commerce-related unions.
His passing has cast a sombre mood across Kano, a major commercial hub in Nigeria's north-west. The community remembers him not just as a business tycoon but as a prominent leader whose guidance shaped local and national trade dynamics.
President Tinubu's statement underscores the void left by such a dedicated advocate for both economic growth and national unity, marking the end of an era for Nigerian business and community leadership.
