Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: National

  • FG declares July 30, 31 public holidays, Lagos advocates low-key Eid-el-kabir

    FG declares July 30, 31 public holidays, Lagos advocates low-key Eid-el-kabir

    The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has declared July 30 and 31 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    This was coming as the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government appealed to Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir on a low-key in order to abide by the existing guidelines on the prevention of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread among residents.

    The Federal Government, in a statement on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the occasion.

    Quoting the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the statement “called on the Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country especially as the world is witnessing global health challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic.”

    While reaffirming Buhari administration’s commitment to battling the scourge of COVID-19 pandemic, Aregbesola urged for the cooperation of all Nigerians.

    The minister assured that the Federal Government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in the march towards actualising the nation’s full potentials.

    Aregbesola called on the masses to support the government “in its avowed determination to build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous country, where the rights of every citizen, are protected and guaranteed, as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    He counselled Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID-19, urging the citizens to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other safety measures issued by relevant authorities.

    Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu through his Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi, has admonished Muslims to maintain moderation even as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, warning that the Coronavirus scourge is still very much in an aggressive stage, hence the need to be more cautious in order to consolidate the gains so far achieved by the state government.

    Elegushi appealed to Lagosians that the celebration should be done within families as earlier observed during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration three months ago, while the Eid-el-Kabir prayers should be observed at home as mosques and churches are still on lockdown in the state.

    While reiterating the Sanwo-Olu administration’s determination to flattening the curve of the ravaging pandemic, the commissioner noted that the religious rites of slaughtering of animals would be carried out through a live broadcast by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, on, July 31 by 9am on LTV while all other Imams in the state are to follow suit thereafter.

    Elegushi reassured all residents of the state that the siege would soon be over as government is leaving no stone unturned in containing the spread of the COVID-19, while anticipating the eventual reopening of businesses in the shortest time possible based on the advice by medical experts.

    The commissioner, however, enjoined the general public to continue adherence to the culture of maintaining physical distance, wearing of face masks, constant handwashing with soap and water as well as the regular use of hand sanitiser to further prevent the spread of the virus.

    He wished all Muslim faithful a blissful celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and enjoined them to remember Lagos State and Nigeria in their individual prayers to Allah.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Fashola Inspects Ongoing Repair Works on Third Mainland Bridge

    Fashola Inspects Ongoing Repair Works on Third Mainland Bridge

    Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Tuesday said the on-going repair works on Third Mainland Bridge and other Federal Government projects in Lagos State were borne out of a long years of neglect by successive governments in Nigeria.

    Speaking while inspecting repair works on Third Mainland Bridge on Day Four of the partial closure of the bridge, the minister said he’s at the site to ascertain the status of the work done and the impact of the partial closure on traffic movement.

    Accompanied by Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye; her counterpart in Transportation, Toyin Fayinka; South-west Federal Controller of Works, Adedamola Kuti; and other top government officials, Fashola noted that his visit was to lend support to his team of engineers and other crew, who had been on ground for about two weeks in preparation for the repair works.

    Read ALSO…. Tinubu, Saraki mourn death of first Lawyer in Northern Nigeria

    He added that his men had concluded their scientific laboratory works in Abuja before coming to Lagos for practical fieldwork to fix the worn out expansion joints and other maintenance works required to keep the 11.8 kilometre bridge in good shape.

    “As you would have noticed, Eko Bridge is also undergoing repairs, likewise, Apapa, Oworonshoki, Apongbon.

    “We just completed Liverpool Bridge, Gbagada-Oworonshoki is on-going and many other bridges. This is as a result of many years of not working or maintaining them by successive governments.

    “This government is, therefore, faced with the reality of repairing and maintaining all these bridges and other federal projects across the country for the safety and benefit of our people.

    “I want to thank you sincerely for your level of cooperation so far, while I assure you that we will continue to collaborate to ensure there is less pressure on commuters as a result of this work,” Fashola said.

    The minister outlined other bridges with renovation work either completed or on-going as: Marine Bridge (Apapa); Kara Bridge (Lagos-Ibadan Expressway); Falomo Bridge (Lagos Island); Ojuelegba; Eko Bridge; Apongbon; and Obalende among others.

    Read ALSO…. Update: AfDB – Independent panel clears Adesina of wrong doing, up re-election

    While expressing happiness that the impact of the partial closure was not much on vehicular movement when he and his team inspected vehicular movement from Oworonshoki in-bound Lagos to Adekunle and Adeniji Adele end of Third Mainland Bridge, Fashola, a former Lagos State governor, ordered operatives of the Federal Safety Corps (FRSC), and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to immediately move away from the main bridge where construction work was currently ongoing to the alternative route areas where there’s likely to be congestion, especially during the peak hours.

    Fashola commended the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government for effectively managing the situation through the rehabilitation of various alternative routes and provision of adequate traffic management officials.

    He urged Lagosians to be calm as the Federal Government would work hard and collaborate with the Sanwo-Olu administration to ensure that the repair work does not extend beyond its stipulated period.

    Earlier, Oladeinde, while briefing the minister on the traffic management strategy adopted to ensure free vehicular movement, disclosed that about 650 LASTMA personnel have been deployed by his ministry to support about 250 FRSC men on ground to direct traffic and ensure less congestion while the construction works last.

    Oladeinde added that since just about 25 per cent of Third Mainland Bridge users are going to be affected, the state government, through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, has done palliative work to ensure alternative routes are accessible to ease congestion while the government has increased the BRT fleet plying Lagos Island corridor.

    The commissioner also advised Lagosians to make use of the waterways by plying the various jetties in the metropolis to reduce travel time, noting that the state government in consideration of the likely increase in the use of water routes has provided improved safety guidelines and measures for ferry operators.

    Read ALSO… Buhari names train stations after prominent Nigerians, Awolowo, Soyinka, Ekweume, others

    While allaying the fears of residents over the partial closure of the bridge, the commissioner urged road users to cooperate with LASTMA and FRSC on the laid down traffic directives to minimise inconvenience in movement and ensure free flow of traffic.

    Also speaking, Adeyoye reaffirmed that palliative works on several alternative routes provided for motorists have been completed, assuring that her ministry would keep on monitoring the work progress to identify other areas where rehabilitation works are necessary.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • FG meets resident doctors over planned strike, promises to address issues

    FG meets resident doctors over planned strike, promises to address issues

    The Federal Government has assured the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) that it will address issues raises by the medical practitioners.

    over the planned industrial action of the

    This assurance was made during a conciliation meeting which held on Monday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The meeting ended with high expectations that the planned strike would be shelved.

    At the discussion, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, who convened the meeting gave an assurance that the government would address the issues raised by the doctors.

    This comes two days after the resident doctors issued a three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the issues raised by the union or risk a nationwide strike.

    The demands include the doctors’ welfare, the residency training programme, and the poor state of infrastructure in government hospitals.

    Government officials also at the meeting include the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo.

  • African Development Bank Approves $27m Grant Financing to Curb COVID-19 Pandemic

    African Development Bank Approves $27m Grant Financing to Curb COVID-19 Pandemic

    African Development Bank has approved a sum of $27.4 million in grants to boost the African Union (AU)’s efforts to mobilise continental response to curb the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Speaking after the bank’s approval by its Board of Governors, President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, said: “With this financing package, we are reaffirming our strong commitment to a coordinated African response in the face of COVID-19.

    “Most importantly, we are sending a strong signal that collectively, the continent can address the pandemic in Africa, which is straining health systems and causing unprecedented socio-economic impacts on the continent.”

    The bulk of the bank’s grant financing for this operation, about $26.03 million, would help to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to respond to public health emergencies across the continent, while the balance of $1.37 million, would be a contribution to the AU COVID-19 Response Fund.

    The two grants, from the bank’s concessional window, the African Development Fund, and the Transition Support Facility, would support the implementation of Africa CDC’s COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan through strengthening surveillance at various points of entry (air, sea, and land) in African countries; building sub-regional and national capacity for epidemiological surveillance; and ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment for frontline workers deployed in hotspots and testing materials.

    The operation would also facilitate collection of gender-disaggregated data and adequate staffing for Africa CDC’s emergency operations center.

    The approval came on the heels of a meeting of the extended Bureau of the AU Conference of Heads of State and Government with Africa’s private sector on April 22, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who is the current chairperson of AU.

    Adesina, who attended the meeting, pledged strong support for the AU COVID-19 initiative.

    AU Bureau meeting called for contributions to the African Union’s COVID-19 Response Fund established by the AU Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, in March 2020.

    At the beginning of February 2020, only two reference laboratories in Senegal and South Africa could run tests for COVID-19 on the continent.

    Africa CDC, working with governments, World Health Organisation (WHO), and several development partners and public health institutes, have increased this capacity to 44 countries.

    Despite this progress, Africa’s testing capacity remains at less than 600 per one million people compared to 50,000 in Europe.

    “Our response today and support to the African Union, is timely and will play a crucial role in helping Africa look inward for solutions to build resilience to this pandemic and future outbreaks,” said bank’s Acting Vice President, Agriculture and Human Development, Wambui Gichuri.

    This support would complement various national and sub-regional operations financed by the African Development Bank under its COVID-19 Rapid Response Facility to support African countries contain and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari names train stations after prominent Nigerians, Awolowo, Soyinka, Ekweume, others

    Buhari names train stations after prominent Nigerians, Awolowo, Soyinka, Ekweume, others

    Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has named railway stations across the country  after some prominent Nigerians citizens including late former Premier of Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo, Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, Vice Yemi Osinbajo.

    According to a statement by the Director of Press of the Transportation Ministry, Eric Ojiekwe, on Monday, also listed is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.

    The selected prominent Nigerians described as ‘deserving’ by President Buhari’s definition contributed to the progress and development of their respective communities and the nation at large.

    The Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, stated that the president approved the naming of stations along the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe/Ajaokuta/ Aladja/Warri corridors after the deserving Nigerians.

    In the statement, Kajola Station is named after Vice President Osinbajo, Apapa station was named after Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while Agege Station is named after Minister of Works and Housing, Fashola.

    Other notable Nigerians named after train station include Lateef Jakande (Agbado station), Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Papalanto station), Wole Soyinka (Abeokuta station), Aremo Segun Osoba (Olodo station) Ladoka Akintola (Omio-Adio station) Obafemi Awolowo (Ibadan station) and Alex Ekwueme (Operation Control Centre).

    President Buhari had only recently approved the naming of the Railway Complex in Agbor after former President Goodluck Jonathan.

  • COVID-19: Nigeria reopens secondary schools for SS3 students Aug 4

    COVID-19: Nigeria reopens secondary schools for SS3 students Aug 4

    Baring any unforseen circumstance, secondary schools in the country would reopen as from August 4 for exit classes only (students in Senior Secondary 3).

    Students would have two weeks within which to prepare for the forthcoming West African Examinations (WAEC) due to start on August 17.

    These were some of the decisions unanimously agreed on Monday during a virtual consultative meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education, commissioners of education of the 36 states, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), the proprietors of private schools, and chief executive officers of examination bodies.

    The meeting agreed that “the exit classes should resume immediately after the Sallah break, from the 4th of August, 2020 to enable them prepare for the WAEC examinations scheduled to commence from the 17th of August, 2020,” said a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong.

    The meeting also resolved that a passionate appeal be made to the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and public spirited Nigerians for assistance to schools across the country to enable them fast track preparations for a safe reopening, as agreed.

    The statement added that another meeting would be convened tomorrow, Tuesday, between the Federal Ministry of Education and chief executive officers of examination bodies namely, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS to harmonise their examination dates, noting that decisions reached at the meeting would be expeditiously conveyed to stakeholders by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • COVID-19: Nigeria extends phase-2 of eased lockdown by 1wk due to Sallah

    COVID-19: Nigeria extends phase-2 of eased lockdown by 1wk due to Sallah

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the second phase of easing COVID-19 lockdown regulations due to breach of guidelines and non-pharmaceutical measures put in place.

    The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha made this known during the daily briefing on Monday.

    Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) expressed fear that: “Majority of Nigerians irrespective of status, creed and level of education continue to live in denial on the virulent nature of the virus and consistently breach the guidelines and non-pharmaceutical measures put in place”.

    The SGF, who noted that the PTF, having reached an advanced stage of the process, has considered extending the second phase of eases of lockdown by one more week.

    “Due to the upcoming Sallah (Eid El-Kabir) festivities which coincides with the expiration of the current phase it would be prudent to extend by one week, from 29th July, 2020 till Thursday 6th August, 2020. It has accordingly secured permission to retain the existing guidelines till that date.

    “Our analysis has shown that people over 50 years of age especially those with underlying factors remain most at risk. This position is backed by the fact that 65% of fatalities recorded in Nigeria are in this category, Mustapha said.

    I’m his advise to Nigerians, the PTF chairman said: “If you do not need to go outside your home, please stay indoors. Avoid large gatherings and observe all the measures.

    “As we prepare for the Eid El Kabir celebration, we also want to urge all our Muslim Brothers and Sisters and indeed all Nigerians to continue to observe all measures, he said.

    Recall that the first phase of the relaxed lockdown was extended by two weeks and elapsed midnight June 1. The second phase commenced on June 2 and was to elapse midnight, June 29. During the PTF briefing of that day, Mustapha announced that President Muhammau Buhari had approved that the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020, through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.

    Although, some of the regulations have been lifted, such as reopening of domestic flight operations and resumption of interstate travels, and state governments have modifications, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown are as follow:

    The nationwide curfew of 10:00 P.M.
    4:00 A.M. daily.

    Healthcare workers and journalists are
    exempted from this curfew.

    Banks may resume normal working hours.

    Government offices will be open between
    9:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Monday – Friday.

    The ban on interstate movement except for
    agricultural produce, petroleum products,
    manufactured goods, and essential services (now lifted).

    All airports remain closed to domestic and
    international travel, except for emergency
    flights. (Domestic flight operations now
    resumed).

    The PTF is considering plans to reopen
    airports for domestic flights by June 21, 2020 if proper protocols are put in place by the
    aviation industry. (Now implemented).

    Kano State is approved to enter phase one of eased lockdown.

    Face masks or coverings are mandatory in
    public settings and handwashing/sanitizing
    practices must continue to be followed.

    Ban on gatherings of more than 20 people
    outside of a workplace.

    Relaxation of restrictions on places of
    worship based on guidelines issued by the
    PTF and State governments.

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

  • Police Arrest All Four Persons Implicated for Dehumanising a Female Citizen

    Police Arrest All Four Persons Implicated for Dehumanising a Female Citizen

    Nigeria Police Force Friday said it has arrested the remaining two persons involved in the dehumanising treatment of a female citizen in a viral video making the rounds since Wednesday (July 22), bringing the total number of persons now in police custody to four.

    “The two additional persons arrested are CPL Aiyedun Akeem and one Ope Owoeye – the civilian accomplice popularly known as ‘Wyclef.’

    “Recall that ASP Tijani Olatunji and Inspr Gboyega were earlier arrested for their involvement in the case.

    Read ALSO… Viral Video: Police detains 3 officers, a civilian for ‘Dehumanising’ woman

    “Investigation is still ongoing after which the Force internal disciplinary procedures will commence for the officers,” said a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba.

    Meanwhile, Mba explained that Police Detectives from the State CID, Panti, Yaba in Lagos have established contact with the victim with assurances that justice would not only be done but would be seen to have been manifestly done.

    READ ALSO.. Again, Dogara returns to APC, meets Buhari in Abuja

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • President Buhari departs for crisis-hit Mali, aims to restore peace

    President Buhari departs for crisis-hit Mali, aims to restore peace

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday depart for Bamako, the Republic of Mali on a one-day visit.

    This is according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina.

    Buhari’s planned visit followed the briefing by the ECOWAS Special Envoy to the country, former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The statement adds that President Buhari and the ECOWAS Chairman, President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger Republic had already agreed to meet in Mali to engage in further consultations towards finding a political solution to the crisis in the country.

    The two leaders are expected to be joined by the Host President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Presidents Machy Sall of Senegal, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire respectively.

    “We will ask the President of Niger, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS to brief us as a group, and we will then know the way forward,” President Buhari was quoted as saying.

    Earlier, Jonathan in the company of President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, on Tuesday briefed President Buhari on the unfolding situation in Mali, necessitating the visit of ECOWAS leaders to consolidate on the agreements reached by various parties.

    The former President had filled in President Buhari on his activities as Special Envoy to restore amity to Mali, rocked by protests against President Keita, who has spent two out of the five years, the second term in office.

    A resistance group, M5, is insisting that the Constitutional Court must be dissolved and that the President should resign before peace can return to the country.

    The crisis had erupted after the court nullified results of 31 parliamentary seats in the polls held recently, awarding victory to some other contenders, which the resistance group said was at the instigation of President Keita.

    Riots on July 10 had led to the killing of some protesters by security agents, causing the crisis to spiral out of control, hence the intervention by ECOWAS.

    • Channels TV
  • Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Mourn Isa Funtua

    Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Mourn Isa Funtua

    Senate President Ahmadu Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; have mourned the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari’s friend and political associate, Isa Funtua.

    They all paid glowing tributes to late businessman and condoled with the family and the President.

    Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Lawan said the news of Funtua’s death left him with profound sadness, describing him as business mogul, community leader, social and political activist and nationalist.

    Read Also….Buhari’s ally, Isa Funtua is dead, Ben Bruce reveals last conversation

    “He was a man who touched many lives and impacted the development of Nigeria with his foresight, industry, enterprise, boundless enthusiasm, magnetism, friendliness and accommodating spirit.

    “Mallam Isa Funtua made friends across tribe, religion, generation and class in Nigeria, and touched many lives in public service as well as in his private life. He was a man of many parts who brought to bear his great intelligence, energy and integrity on everything that he did.

    “Late Mallam Isa Funtua was a pioneer and trail blazer who established an authoritative national newspaper and a giant construction company through both of which he has left indelible footprints on the physical and sociology-political landscapes of Nigeria.

    “Even in death, Mallam Isa Funtua’s presence will continue to be felt for a long time by Nigerians.

    “I heartily commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari who has lost a close friend, trusted ally and in-law as well as the Government and People of Katsina State over the loss.

    Read also…. EFCC: More officials get suspension, one begs President Buhari for reversal

    “I pray Allah to comfort the loved ones that Mallam Isa Funtua left behind, forgive his sins and accept his soul in Aljannat Firdaus,” said senate president.

    In his tribute, Gbajabiamila expressed sadness over the death of the former President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

    The speaker said Funtua, who was a lifetime patron of NPAN and the International Press Institute, lived a life full of service to humanity.

    Condoling with Buhari over the loss, Gbajabiamila prayed Allah to give his family, the people and government of Katsina State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Tinubu, on his part, described Funtua as statesman, nationalist and renowned businessman.

    “The passing of elder-statesman, nationalist newspaper publisher and prominent businessman, Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua, is a saddening national loss. He was a rare individual of immense talents, abilities and generousity.

    Read Also….Isa Funtua, buried in Abuja today

    “We spoke but two days before, as we often do. He spoke vibrantly, with his trademark logic and deep knowledge. We ended our conversation agreeing to resume soon again. There was no indication that this would be our last talk.

    “I had the distinct honour of knowing this man for many years. Mallam Funtua loved our nation with uncompromising passion having served Nigeria with dedication and commitment at different times in many important capacities.

    “He wanted the best for the country and its people and worked diligently in his private capacity to advance the course of Nigeria.

    “As a long-time friend, associate and in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari, he served as a strong buttress of support for the president and for his progressive administration.

    “I commiserate with President Buhari at this time for we have suffered the loss of another person of great intellect and extraordinary character. Our national family mourns deeply because of this unexpected departure, May Allah give our President the added strength and grace to overcome this loss.
    I mourn with the immediate and extended Funtua family who have lost a father, patriarch and much more.

    “My condolences to Governor Aminu Bello Waziri of Katsina State and the Funtua Community.

    “We have lost too many outstanding Nigerians in such a short time. We cannot question why for the will of Almighty Allah is sovereign and supreme.

    “Yet, we must dedicate ourselves to continue and to finish the work started by these excellent souls. We must carry on so that we lend even greater meaning to the lives they lived.

    “I ask Almighty Allah to accept the soul of Mallam Funtua and admit him to Aljanna Firdaus. May Allah in His munificence also grant his family and all those he left behind the inner fortitude, peace and dedication to continue after him,” Tinubu said.

    Sanwo-Olu described the death of Funtua as a great loss to Nigeria, happening at a time when the country is desirous of more men of good conscience to offer wise counsel in the nation’s drive towards socio-political and economic development.

    The commiserated with the President over the passing of his close friend and political associate.

    “Although the loss of a loved one is usually a painful experience, we should take solace in the fact that death itself is a natural occurrence and it is inevitable,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu added that late Funtua would be missed by a wide range of people and professional bodies, especially NPAN, noting that “the late elder statesman lived a life of purpose, championing the right causes such as a free press, which is the soul of democracy. He was a philanthropist of note, a well respected personality with a lot of knowledge and experience.”

    The governor commiserated with his immediate family, the governor and people of Katsina State, praying Allah to grant the deceased Aljanah firdaus and give those he has left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Also, Ogun State Governor has commiserated with Buhari, the government and people of Katsina State over the demise of elder statesman and Second Republic Minister.

    Abiodun described the former NPAN president and chairman of Bulet Intentional Limited (an indigenous construction company) as “a quality icon who will occupy many good pages in Nigeria’s history. His footprints are in the public service, journalism, entrepreneurship and indeed all spheres of our national life and living.”

    He added: “Mallam Isa Funtua was a man of honour and a great achiever. He lived an exemplary life; he was a democrat and a fine gentleman whose idea of power was that of being a tool to serve his6 fatherland and humanity. He was an elder statesman in the truest sense of the word in and out of Government – as a technocrat in Northern Nigeria and later Minister in the Second Republic.”

    The governor qualified the late Funtua as “an ideal businessman and a big player in the construction industry and across the various boardrooms, where he served meritoriously. I respect him for his contentment and as a man who did not abuse the goodwill of his closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari. Of course, as a newspapers’ man, his contributions cannot be forgotten as a Life Patron of both the International Press Institute (IPI) and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). I commiserate with all the members of the fraternity of the pen on the death of this media colossus.”

    Abiodun said Buhari has lost a worthy friend and brother, adding that Katsina State has not only lost a father-figure but one of its most prodigious products and Nigeria as a whole has lost one of her best.

    “This is a further depletion of the tribe of quality Nigerians,” he said, adding that “Ismaila Isa Funtua was at once a frontline newspapers’ man, detribalised statesman, leading businessman entrepreneur and focused public intellectual rolled into one and he acted his parts perfectly.”

    He prayed Allah to grant the soul of the industrialist a cozy place in Aljanah Firdaous.

    Idowu Sowunmi