Ambassador Sheikh Uthman AbdulAzeez, a retired top intelligence officer at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and former Nigeria's ambassador to the People's Republic of China, has died.

AbdulAzeez passed away at the age of 71 on Saturday night after a brief illness.

The death of the Ilorin-born diplomat and former president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) was announced on Sunday by the union's incumbent president, Alhaji AbdulMumin AbdulMalik.

Alhaji AbdulMalik released a statement saying: "With heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I announce the passing of a one-time National President of the IEDPU, Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman. We lost this servant of Allah to the cold hands of death after a brief illness on Saturday. He will be buried on Sunday (today)."

"Please remember the family of the deceased in prayers at this traumatic period of the loss of their loved one. May Allah grant Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman Al-Janat Firdaus", the statement added.

Reacting to his death, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, described AbdulAzeez as a man of great character whose life positively impacted his community.

The governor prayed Allaah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-jannah Firdaus, and give his family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

Similarly, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, expressed deep sadness over the "deeply painful and irreplaceable" incident.

He described the deceased as a seasoned diplomat, distinguished security intelligence expert, respected elder statesman, community leader and a pillar of unity.

In a statement signed by Saraki's Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki said his life was marked by selfless service to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.

"May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, and admit him into Al-Jannah Firdaus among the righteous.

"We pray for the family, IEDPU, and the entire Ilorin Emirate, the strength and fortitude to bear the great loss", he stated.

On his part, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in a condolence message signed by his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, described the death as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity.

The Emir commiserated with the immediate and extended family of the deceased, the leadership and members of IEDPU at home and abroad, as well as friends and sympathisers.

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, on February 18, 1952, AbdulAzeez began his educational journey at the then Native Authority Primary School, Bussa, where he obtained his First School Certificate in 1966. He later trained as a teacher at the then Ilorin Teachers College, now Sheikh Abdulkadir College, between 1967 and 1971.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography in 1977 from the then Abdullahi Bayero College of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also obtained a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Jos, Plateau State, and later bagged a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan in 2002.

AbdulAzeez also attended the then National War College, now National Defence College, Abuja, where he received two awards in recognition of his outstanding performance.

Following his graduation, he was posted to the former Sokoto State for his National Youth Service Corps, serving at the Advanced Teachers College, Sokoto, between 1977 and 1978. He was subsequently retained as a lecturer and later became Head of the Geography Department.

In 1985, he transferred his services to the Federal Government as a pioneer staff member of the National Intelligence Agency, where he rose through the ranks to the top echelon of the service.

Between 2000 and 2001, AbdulAzeez served as Director of Financial Crimes in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Drugs and Financial Crimes and was among officials whose efforts led to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He served in various intelligence and diplomatic capacities in countries including Egypt, Angola, Liberia, and China.

He was appointed Nigeria's ambassador to China in 2010 and, while in office, hosted the launch of Nigeria's satellite on December 21, 2011.