The Federal Government of Nigeria expresses condolences following the death of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at age 74. In a statement issued by the spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria sends sympathy to Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family, and the people of Qatar. The statement says Sheikh Hamad is remembered as a distinguished and visionary leader whose contributions helped develop and modernise Qatar, and it adds that his leadership and commitment to international cooperation will be recalled by Qatar, Gulf countries, and international partners.
Both outlets report that Qatar declares a four-day period of national mourning beginning Monday. During this period, Nigerian reporting states that Qatar’s mourning arrangements include suspending normal public activities and lowering flags across the country to half-mast. Nigeria’s message also conveys solidarity with Qatar during the period of grief and prays for eternal rest for Sheikh Hamad and comfort for his family and the Qatari people.
