18th October, 2021
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a message to U.S. President Joe Biden, offering deepest condolences on behalf of himself and Nigerians on the death of General Colin Powell.
Buhari said Powell was indubitably a great statesman and a global icon in every sense of it.
He also described him as one of America’s greatest pride, who as a professional soldier, a distinguished public servant and an effective diplomat, gave his utmost for his country.
The four star general served as the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the U.S. Department of Defense as well as the first African American Secretary of State.
The Nigerian leader said as U.S Secretary of State, Powell played a very important role in advancing America’s foreign policy and national defense interests.
He was also a great advocate of the eradication of Polio and in addressing the deadly spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
“President Buhari’s prayers and thoughts are with General Powell’s family and the people of the United States as they mourn the death of an exceptional leader”,said the statement by Aso Villa.