By Joseph Edegbo
Former Minister of State, Chief, Arc. Gabriel Yakubu Aduku is dead.
He died on Sunday in the US of a brief illness.
According to a source close to the family, late Chief Aduku left Nigeria before his 80th Birthday, which he celebrated on February. 3rd 2024, with some members of the family over there.
A traditional title holder of Amana Ogohi Atta Igala, Chief, Arc. GY. Aduku a great leader who meant well for his people, the Igala nation, had also made indelible marks on the national and international scenes, both,professionally and politically.
He was President of the Nigeria Institute of Architect, (NIA), Architects Registration Council of Nigeria,(ARCON) as well as Chairman, Board of Trustees.
He was also among others, member, International Union of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects
Late Chief Aduku left good footprints on the sands of Nigerian politics, especially his Chairmanship of the National Constitutional Conference Committee on the Niger-Delta which championed the embedment of the 13% derivation formula in the constitution. He also designed the logo of People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
He was Minister of State for Health, under the late Umaru Musa Yar’ dua administration.
It’s a great loss, condolence to the family, the Architecture practice, and the Igala nation at large. Nigeria just lost an icon, indeed an Iroko has fallen.