A senior Bauchi State Government official, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, while participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Jalam, who served as Permanent Secretary, Special Services, in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), reportedly passed away in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described the development as a painful and significant loss to the state government, the deceased’s family, and the people of Bauchi State.
The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, titled, “Governor Bala Mohammed Mourns the Passing of Alh. Shehu Yahaya Jalam in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
According to the statement, the late Jalam was widely respected for his dedication, loyalty and commitment to public service throughout his career in the Bauchi State civil service.
“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,” the statement said.
The government noted that the deceased played vital roles in the coordination of previous Hajj operations and other important assignments entrusted to him by the state government.
Governor Mohammed said Jalam’s death would be deeply felt by colleagues, associates and all those who benefited from his humility, professionalism and strong sense of duty.
The statement further disclosed that funeral prayers for the late permanent secretary would be held after the Zuhur prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.
The governor extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils, as well as friends and associates of the late official.
He also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
