Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of Malam Isma’ila Isa 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.
Sanwo-Olu said this on Tuesday in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Gboyega Akosile, while commiserating with President Muhammadu Buhari for the passing of a close friend and political associate.
The governor said even though the loss of a loved one was usually a painful experience, it was proper to take solace in the fact that it is a natural occurrence and inevitable.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor, while saying that the deceased would be missed by a wide range of people and professional bodies, especially the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), noted 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 equally described the late Isa Funtua as a philanthropist of note and a well-respected personality with a lot of knowledge and experience.
He said: “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.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserated with President Buhari, his immediate family, the governor and people of Katsina State, praying that Almighty Allah grant the deceased Aljanah Firdaus and give those he had left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.