former President Edgar Lungu.
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its condolences to the government and people of Zambia following the passing of former President Edgar Lungu.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that former President Lungu died on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed Nigeria’s sympathies in a statement, saying:
“The departed President Lungu served Zambia with dedication from 2015 to 2021, steering the nation through significant milestones, including infrastructure development and regional diplomacy, while upholding the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’.”
Lungu’s leadership was marked by notable achievements, including the appointment of Zambia’s first female president and initiatives to promote inclusivity, national unity, and economic diversification. Nigeria acknowledges Lungu’s contributions to strengthening Africa’s collective voice on the global stage and his commitment to regional solidarity.
“We stand in solidarity with the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and all Zambians during this period of national mourning,” Amb. Tuggar said.
“Nigeria joins the international community in celebrating his life and times. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
Lungu’s daughter, Tasila, paid an emotional tribute to her father, invoking the spirit of “One Zambia, One Nation” that guided his service to the country. She said, “In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ – the timeless creed that guided President Lungu’s service to our country.”
Other world leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also expressed their condolences. President Ramaphosa described Lungu as a “brother and friend” and said South Africans share the grief and loss experienced by the Lungu family and the Zambian nation. “We have had the duty and privilege in recent weeks to care for a leader from our region whom we embraced as a brother and friend,” Ramaphosa said.
