Govt mourns as Permanent Secretary dies while performing hajj in Mecca

Govt mourns as Permanent Secretary dies while performing hajj in Mecca

The Bauchi State Government has announced the death of the Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, who passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Jalam, who held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise as part of the Bauchi State contingent.

The state government confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, describing the incident as a painful loss to the state.

“The Government and people of Bauchi State have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam (Turakin Dawakin Misau), the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Bauchi, who passed away in the early hours of today in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise,” the statement read.

The government described the late official as a loyal and committed civil servant who devoted years of service to the development of the state.

“Until his death, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam was a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking public servant who devoted his life and energy to the service of Bauchi State.”

According to Gidado, the deceased played vital roles in coordinating previous Hajj operations and other assignments entrusted to him by the government.

“He played significant roles in the successful coordination of previous Hajj operations and other government assignments entrusted to him,” he added.

The statement noted that the loss extended beyond government circles, describing the deceased as a man known for humility, commitment and a strong sense of duty.

“His passing is a great loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the entire Bauchi State Government and the wider community, who benefited from his commitment, humility, and sense of duty,” Gidado said.

Funeral prayers for the late permanent secretary were held on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.

Governor Bala Mohammed, on behalf of the state government, extended condolences to the deceased’s family, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Civil Service, the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils, as well as friends and associates of the late official.

The governor also prayed for God to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family the strength to bear the loss.