*He was a lover of man and God, says president
James Sowole in Abeokuta
Eminent Nigerians, yesterday, thronged Erunwon in Ogun State to pay their last respect to foremost industrialist, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, who died on October 7, 2023, a few months to his centenary celebration.
It was the celebration of a life well spent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in attendance.
Also, at the event were the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; two former governors of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Present too were a former governor of Ekiti State, and erstwhile Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo as well as a former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
Others were a former Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Udo Udoma; the new Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku; Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo; and former deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, amongst others.
Speaking at the funeral service, Tinubu described the boardroom guru, philanthropist and corporate leader as a lover of God Almighty and his people.
He called on members of the family to remain united as they prepared to take over the mantle of leadership from their late patriarch.
Tinubu called on the people of the state and the country as a whole to emulate the late philanthropist.
“The lesson we can learn is to emulate his wonderful character while he lived. He was a fine and extraordinary man. Papa has gone and left a wonderful family behind.
“To the members of the family, be as united and solid as ever as you prepare to take over the mantle of leadership from your wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
In his remarks, Abiodun said the late Ogunbanjo made impressionable contributions to national economic policy, acknowledging him for encouraging Nigerians to own and be part of the management of foreign companies in the country.
He further described the deceased as a colossus and a phenomenon, commending him for championing and advocating the beginning of domiciliary accounts in the country.
Abiodun said: “He made impressionable contributions to national economic policy. He encouraged Nigerians to own and be part of the management of foreign companies in Nigeria,
“He was the champion and advocate for the domiciliary accounts in Nigeria. This later came into existence formally through the foreign currency decree of 1985.”
Earlier, Venerable Ebenezer Abiala, described Ogunbanjo as a man with lots of humour, calling on the congregation to learn from his life of service to humanity.
