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.

Tanzania President’s Husband ‘First Gentleman’ Hafidh Ameir Hassan Dies at 71

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the country’s first First Gentleman, has died at the age of 71.

Ameir died on Monday, September 7, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m. local time while receiving medical treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced his death, saying Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition.

Ndejembi conveyed condolences to President Samia, the family, relatives and friends of the deceased, as well as the people of Tanzania.

Ameir largely stayed away from the political spotlight despite being married to one of Africa’s most prominent political figures.

An agricultural academic and retired agricultural professional, he became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after his wife assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.

His position as First Gentleman was historic because President Samia became Tanzania’s first woman to serve as president. Ameir had therefore spent more than five years in the role, while continuing to maintain a relatively private public profile.

Ameir and President Samia were married in 1978 and had four children together, including their daughter Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who is involved in politics and serves in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.

Despite his wife’s rise through Tanzania’s political ranks, Ameir was generally known for keeping a low profile and maintaining a life largely separate from the political activities surrounding the presidency.

His death has triggered condolences from leaders across the region.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed sorrow over the death, saying President Samia had lost a lifelong companion, while Tanzania had lost a distinguished son. He extended condolences to the President, her family and the people of Tanzania.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed condolences to President Samia and the Tanzanian people, while other regional leaders have joined in mourning the former First Gentleman.

Funeral arrangements are currently underway in Kizimkazi, a village in Zanzibar associated with Ameir’s family. Further details about the funeral and burial are expected to be announced by the authorities and family.

Ameir’s death comes as President Samia continues her second term in office after winning the 2025 presidential election. His passing marks the loss of a figure who, despite occupying a historically significant position, largely remained outside the public spotlight.

Tanzania is now mourning the death of a man who became the country’s first First Gentleman while maintaining a reputation for privacy, academic work and a relatively quiet public life.