Kaduna-based business mogul, philanthropist and chairman Chanchangi Airlines, Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi is dead.

He died at the age of 85 in the early hours of yesterday, precisely at about 6:25am, following a protracted illness.

According to his in-law and former Kaduna South local government chairman, Alhaji Aminu Janadu, Chanchangi died along Kaduna-Abuja expressway, while he was being rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja for medical attention.

He was buried at about 2:15pm yesterday at the Bashama Road Cemetery according to Islamic rites led by Sheik Dr. Ahmed Gumi.

Immediate younger brother of the deceased, Nadabo Chanchangi, described the death of his elder brother as a big loss, not only to the immediate family, but the entire people of his community who benefited from his philanthropic gesture.

“It is a painful thing but then, it has pleased Almighty Allah to call him up at this time. We thank Allah for what He has used him to do. Many people will miss his philanthropic gestures. May Allah grant him eternal rest”, Nadabo said.

Also speaking, one of his sons, Bello Chanchangi, described his late father as a kind-hearted person who helped his host community a great deal without discriminating against anybody.

Among those who visited the family house to show their last respect for the late business mogul are the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ramalan Yero; Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, among other top religious and political leaders.

The late Chanchangi is survived by two wives and 34 children.

The Taraba-born multi-millionaire who was based in Kaduna was popularly known for his airline business, which he later ventured into after making a fortune in his transportation business.