Barkindo died at the age of 63 on Tuesday night in Abuja, the same day he paid a courtesy call on President Muhammadu Buhari to brief him on his tenure that was about to end at OPEC.

In a statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the governor, on Wednesday, Uzodinma described the death as “shocking, unbelievable and unfortunate.”

Uzodinma said, “Barkindo was a prominent Nigerian professional, who devoted his time and energy in the service of the country both nationally and internationally.

“Barkindo died when his services were still required in the country because of his vast knowledge in private and public administration as well as in the oil and gas industry.”

Uzodinma commiserated with the immediate and extended family, friends and associates of the deceased and prayed to God to grant them the grace and fortitude to bear the unexpected loss.