Abidha, long-serving staff at Foreign Ministry, passes away

Abidha Ahmed, who served at Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over 40 years, has passed away.

She passed away in the early hours of Monday at the age of 66. 

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, in a tweet following her death, said Ministry lost an invaluable member of 'Team Khaarijee'. In his tweet, he highlighted Abidha had served the Foreign Ministry for more than 40 years. 

Minister Shahid, noting she was a friend to all the employees at the Foreign Ministry, described her passing as a loss that will forever be felt in the Ministry.

Today we lost an invaluable member of Team Khaarijee, Ms Abida Ahmed.

Abi was an integral part of the team for over 40 years, serving with dedication, commitment and passion. She was a friend to all.

Her loss will be forever felt in the Ministry.

I send our condolences to… pic.twitter.com/3LBBq4vAfG

— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) May 8, 2023

Abidha began her service in the government in 1978 as a maid in Mulee'aage. She briefly left the post for a period and rejoined the government service on September 26, 1983, as a telephone operator at Maldives Airports Authority.

She joined the Foreign Ministry in 1985, where she mostly worked in administrative sections and departments. 

She was also among staff who performed the protocol and welcomed delegates from nations Maldives has established diplomatic relations. 

The Ministry also highlighted the role Abidha played in implementing the changes to administrative work that came with the years.

Abidha Ahmed’s funeral will be held at Aasaharaa Miskiy after Asr prayer.