Nigerian head of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin dies aged 68

The Executive Director of the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), Babatunde Osotimehin, is dead.

A statement issued by Dr Babajide Osotimehin on behalf of the family on Monday said the senior Osotimehin died on Sunday at the age of 68.

Mr. Osotimehin was appointed on 19 November 2010 as the new Executive Director of UNFPA for a four-year term. He was reappointed to this position on 21 August 2014. He assumed the position on 1 January 2011 and became the organisation's fourth Executive Director.

Previously, he was Nigeria's Minister of Health.

He left this office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.

He is survived by a wife, five children and three grandchildren.