I received with rude shock the news of the sudden death of the Statistician-General (SG) of the Federation, Dr Simon Harry, which occurred on Wednesday morning in Abuja.
The late Dr Simon Harry served the nation with distinction as SG in the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.
He discharged the mandate of his office with unparalleled devotion and responsibility, always giving my office timeous reports on the activities of the National Bureau of Statistics as his supervising minister.
I attest to the transformation that took place under his short leadership stint at the NBS.
His death has diminished the clan of public office holders who are significantly committed to the nation’s development.
Following his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Dr Harry had hit the ground running, investing his best in the service for which history will not forget him and posterity will judge him positively.
On behalf of the management and staff members of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, I commiserate with the President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, his (Dr Harry’s) family members and the management and staff members of the National Bureau of Statistics on this great loss.
I pray that the Almighty God would grant the late Dr Simon Harry’s soul eternal repose.
