Kofar Mata, ex-Kano Pilgrims Welfare Board DG, dies at 70

Kofar Mata, the former Director General of the Kano Pilgrims Welfare Board, died at the age of 70 in Kano on Sunday following a period of ill health. Family sources confirmed that his funeral prayer will take place on Monday at 9:00 a.m.

Kofar Mata was a significant figure in Kano politics and closely associated with former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, playing a pivotal role in Shekarau's political structure during the 2007 governorship election. His political career began with the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), after which he transitioned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011, and later to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Kofar Mata was also viewed as a major contender in the 2011 governorship race, although he ultimately decided to step aside. Prior to his death, he had maintained a low public profile and was not actively involved in Kano politics.