Shehu Ladan, Ex -GMD of NNPC Passes @ 59
Huhuonline.com understands that Alhaji Shehu Ladan, immediate past group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has passed. 59years old Ladan died Tuesday night in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, after a brief ailment. His remains is expected to arrive Nigeria on Thursday, for interment in Zaria in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Wednesday opened a condolence register for the Ladan. Some early signatories include, Mike Ward, Managing Director of ExxonMobil and the Managing Director of Total E&P Guy Maurice.
However, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who sacked Ladan from NNPC, under very controversial circumstances, Wednesday paid tribute to the departed ex-Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. She described as a dedicated public servant.
Expressing sadness at the demise of the former NNPC helmsman who also holds the traditional title of Cigarin-Zazzau in the Zazzau Emirate Council of Kaduna state, Mrs. Alison-Madueke stated that the death of Ladan is not only a great loss to the oil and gas industry but to the People of Kaduna State and the entire nation whom the late legal luminary has served in various capacity.
'We are going to miss him in so many ways from his great sense of humour, resourcefulness and lots more. May his soul rest in peace,'' the Minister intoned.
Speaking after the signing of a condolence register opened at the NNPC Towers, Abuja in honour of the late Ladan, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Engr. Austen Oniwon eulogised the departed Cigarin-Zazzau as a committed colleague, administrator and public spirited individual who did everything possible to improve the lot of the oil and gas industry and humanity at large.
'Shehu Ladan was a good man; he bore no grudges against anybody and was always ready at all times to make things work. I pray that Almighty God gives the family and the oil and gas industry the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,'' Oniwon said.
Also, Hon.Iroanola Joseph Akilaja , a member of the house of representatives, and former NUPENG Secretary-General & Deputy National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), expressed his condolences, saying,
'It is indeed heart rending and shocking to think that a very resourceful and illustrious icon in the energy sector, ALHAJI SHEHU LADAN has taken a final exit from life's stage. He was a rare gem whose vacuum may not be filled for a very long time. He was a quintessential professional, dignified and gracious, a quiet hero, man of many parts and dynamism'
'I sincerely and humbly commiserate with the family of ALHAJI SHEHU LADAN , all his dependants, as well as stakeholders in the energy sector particularly Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC; his immediate past constituency. He would be remembered for upholding the banner of NNPC even for that short period'.
'There goes one Nigerian who was passionate about his country. He was dainty in looks and noble in character. He was a flower to his friends and a thorn in the flesh of his enemies. In him was no fear and death knows that he could not have claimed him except that it is the way of all mortals. Adieu my brother, my fellow compatriot, my friend'.
'I pray for the repose of his soul and asked God to give the family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in indescribable peace. Even in emotion-laden heart, I extend my condolences and sympathies'.
Profile:
Born on September 21, 1952, Ladan had a stint as GMD of NNPC from April 6-May 18, 2010.A seasoned legal practitioner, Ladan had an accomplished career in the NNPC which saw him hold key positions at various times including: Group Executive Director (GED) Commercial and Investment, GED Corporate Services, Group General Manager, Human Resources, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Gas Company and Deputy Managing Director of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, (NLNG).
He also worked as the Manager Admin and Personnel, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the NNPC. Ladan was also Executive Director Services, Nigeria Engineering and Technical Company Limited, NETCO.
Before joining the NNPC, the late Ladan served as Staff Solicitor of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. He was also Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Kaduna State Rural Electrification Board (REB) and Assistant Director, Federal Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Jos. He was appointed to the Kaduna State Executive Council in 1987 as Commissioner for Education and was made Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in 1989.
It is on record that during his tenure as Commissioner for Education in Kaduna State, he helped found the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria (formerly Kaduna State Polytechnic).
He also sponsored research and publications and indigent students from all parts of Kaduna Sate to the institution.
In recognition of his public spirited works propelled by an undying attitude to serve humanity, Ladan Shehu was turbaned the Cigarin-Zazzau, meaning the Conqueror of Zaria, historically referred to as Zazzau in present day Zazzau Emirate Council of Kaduna State.