Business Mogul Chanchangi Dies At 85

            

Kaduna-based business mogul, philanthropist and chairman Chanchangi Airlines, Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi is dead.

He died at the age of 85 in the early hours of yesterday, precisely at about 6:25am, following a protracted illness.

According to his in-law and former Kaduna South local government chairman, Alhaji Aminu Janadu, Chanchangi died along Kaduna-Abuja expressway, while he was being rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja for medical attention.

He was buried at about 2:15pm yesterday at the Bashama Road Cemetery according to Islamic rites led by Sheik Dr. Ahmed Gumi.

Immediate younger brother of the deceased, Nadabo Chanchangi, described the death of his elder brother as a big loss, not only to the immediate family, but the entire people of his community who benefited from his philanthropic gesture.

“It is a painful thing but then, it has pleased Almighty Allah to call him up at this time. We thank Allah for what He has used him to do. Many people will miss his philanthropic gestures. May Allah grant him eternal rest”, Nadabo said.

Also speaking, one of his sons, Bello Chanchangi, described his late father as a kind-hearted person who helped his host community a great deal without discriminating against anybody.

Among those who visited the family house to show their last respect for the late business mogul are the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ramalan Yero; Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, among other top religious and political leaders.

The late Chanchangi is survived by two wives and 34 children.

The Taraba-born multi-millionaire who was based in Kaduna was popularly known for his airline business, which he later ventured into after making a fortune in his transportation business.

Chanchangi Was An Extraordinary Philanthropist- PMB

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commiserated with the Chanchangi family over the death of business mogul, Ahmadu Chanchangi, describing him as one of Nigeria’s outstanding philanthropists.

Buhari, in a statement by his senior special assistant on media an publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu,  also commiserated with the government and people of his home state, Taraba, and that of Kaduna, where he lived.

The president said the late Chanchagi was a notable entrepreneur, who devoted his wealth to the advancement of the welfare of others instead of pursuing conspicuous consumption in a society overwhelmed by poverty.

Shehu said, “The President joins friends, well wishers and the business community in mourning the great man who passed on at a time humanity needed his compassionate services most.

“The President pays tribute to Chanchangi’s selfless commitment to humanitarian causes, demonstrated in his offering succour to those in need, sponsoring community enlightenment programmes and uplifting of people’s spiritual well-being.

“President Buhari believes that Alhaji Chanchangi, who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity will be long remembered for his resourcefulness, discipline and passion for hardwork.

“The President prays that Almighty Allah will bless the soul of the deceased and reward his good deeds with Aljanna”.

Dogara Mourns The Late Chanchangi

Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday expressed sadness over the death of Kaduna-based businessman and chairman of Chanchangi Airlines, Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi who passed on on Wednesday morning.

In a statement in Abuja by his special adviser on media and public affairs,  Turaki Hassan, the Speaker commiserated with the Chanchangi family, relatives,  friends and associates over the death of the renowned business mogul.

The Speaker described the late Chanchangi as a great philanthropist, community leader and businessman  whose legacy of charity and humanitarian service to the people endeared him to everyone across all devides.

Dogara said,“Death is a necessary end that must come when it shall. We are however, consoled that Late Alhaji Chanchangi contributed positively to the development of the society during his life time. He left an indelible footprint on the sand of time and  a legacy of philanthropy, community development and service to the society and the nation”.

He admonished the  children and grandchildren he left behind to emulate the virtues of honesty and hard work which their late father and grandfather represented.

“On behalf of the leadership and the entire members of the House, I sincerely extend our heartfelt condolences to our colleague, Hon. Rufa’i and the entire Chanchangis. May God grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, Dogara stated.