Buhari, Daniel mourn ex-minister Kuforiji-Olubi

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condoled with the family of former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Otunba Ayora Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, who passed away, aged 80 at the weekend.

The President, who recently hosted the first female chairman of the United Bank of Africa at the State House, also extended condolences to the government and people of Ogun State, the banking industry, her friends and professional colleagues over the sad loss.

Buhari, according to the message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, recalled that during his October 20 meeting with the banking and accounting icon, where he congratulated her on her 80th birthday, she was warm and hearty.

He affirmed that the first female president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, served her nation and humanity with all her God-given strength and talent, noting that the multiple professional, national awards and fellowships she received were well-deserved.

The president prayed that the Almighty God would grant her eternal rest and also comfort her loved ones.
Also, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel yesterday described Kuforiji-Olubi as a remarkable woman of uncommon courage, exemplary pedigree and one of the brightest in the constellation of Nigerian prominent women.

Daniel, in his condolence message signed by his Media Officer, Mr. Ayo Giwa in Abeokuta, stated that the deceased was a woman of enormous integrity, quintessential professional and an intellectual of global repute, who made her mark in a male-dominated world.
According to the former governor, the contributions of the late boardroom amazon to the socio-economic development of the country was huge, having served in various capacities in both private and public sectors where she was noted for her exceptional performance as a ‘primus-inter-pares.’

“As an economist, chartered accountant, banker, chartered secretary, an environmentalist, philanthropist and community leader, her rare intelligence and unique diligence stood her out as a shining figure among her peers in the discharge of her duties and responsibilities with matching accolades and honours.

“Her death was a big blow, not only her family but to the womenfolk, Nigeria and the entire world going by her unequalled achievements both locally and internationally but we take solace in the solid legacies she left in professional ethics, doggedness and selfless service befitting a woman of substance which she was till her last breath,” Daniel stated.