TheCable

Abdulyekin Sanchi, finance director at the ministry of budget and national planning, slumped and died while partaking in a badminton tournament in Abuja.

The incident reportedly occurred around 9am on Saturday.

Sanchi was said to have been rushed to a nearby hospital from the tournament venue, where he was pronounced dead.

His death happened eight days after Ayodeji Tinubu, an aide of Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, died while taking part in a football match which the state government organised for members of the executive council.

Members of the badminton club said Sanchi, who was vice-president of the club, was hale and hearty before his demise.

Terzungwe Uwua, president of the club, said Sanchi’s death was a shock to the club.

“His death came to us as a huge shock. He was a motivator to younger members and a gentleman to the core,” Uwua said.

“As the vice-president of the club, he dedicated resources and time to mentoring young badminton players.”

The deceased was the former head of finance, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

He has been buried according to Islamic rites at his hometown, Sanchi-Zuru of Kebbi state.