President Muhammadu Buhari has listed the good qualities of the Nigerian former Ambassador to Canada, Chief Ojo Madueke, who died on Wednesday at the Nnamdi International airport, Abuja at the age of 71.
The President also mourned Justice Nikki Tobi, retired Supreme Court judge and Elechi Amadi, a literary icon.
A statement by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Garba Shehu on Thursday said that all his years of service to Nigeria as a diplomat, minister, politician and ambassador, Madueke displayed his love for the unity of Nigeria and gave all to that pursuit.
The President said that as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Madueke’s relentless call to citizen diplomacy and for Nigerians to be treated with dignity across the globe will continue to inspire other patriotic people to promote a positive international image of the country.
In his tribute to Justice Nikki Tobi, the President described him as a brave jurist who served Nigeria creditably and brought his many years of training, knowledge and wisdom to the Bench.
The President also joined the literary and academic community in mourning Amadi whose writings and postulations as a novelist, poet and playwright introduced many generations of the world to the vibrant Nigerian culture.
In paying homage to the Man of Letters, visionary and venerated elder who dedicated his life to values of peace, equality, dignity and the reading culture in Nigeria, the President believed that the passing away of Amadi is as much a loss to Nigeria and Africa as it is to the world.
The President said that the outpouring of grief and tribute across Nigeria and beyond is a testament of the high degree of respect and acceptance Amadi commanded around the world.
He prayed to God to grant the souls of the departed citizens eternal rest and comfort their families, friends and admirers. [myad]
