Tinubu Mourns Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Tinubu described Ameir’s death as a painful loss to President Samia, her children and the wider Hassan family, noting that he had stood quietly beside the Tanzanian leader for almost five decades.

In a condolence message, the Nigerian President said he understood the magnitude of the loss suffered by his Tanzanian counterpart, describing Ameir as a lifelong companion to President Samia and a beloved father to their children.

Tinubu said the late First Gentleman had remained by President Samia’s side through the various stages of her service to Tanzania.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, and on behalf of my family, I extend my deepest condolences to President Samia, her children, the Hassan family and the people of Tanzania,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the death had come at a difficult moment for the Tanzanian leader and her family, saying the depth of their decades-long companionship made the loss particularly painful.

He also emphasised the ties between Nigeria and Tanzania, saying the bonds that unite African countries become even more important during moments of grief.

“ Nigeria mourns with Tanzania and stands with President Samia and her family in this hour of grief,” he said.

Tinubu prayed for the soul of the late Hafidh Ameir Hassan and asked Allah to grant him eternal rest while giving President Samia and her family the strength to endure the loss.

Ameir, an agricultural academic who largely maintained a low public profile, became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Samia assumed office in 2021.

He died at the age of 71 after reportedly suffering from a heart condition. Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, where he is expected to be laid to rest.