Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria lost a bright star with the death of UNILAG’s former VC, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe.
Okonjo-Iweala, who is the leading candidate for the job of director-general of the World Trade Organisation, made this known on Twitter last night.
“I am deeply saddened that we have lost one of Nigeria’s Brightest Stars, my brother Prof Ibidapo-Obe, to Covid19. Prof Chaired the Governing Council of@AUSTNigeria whose Board Of Trustees I chair. Deepest condolences to his family & to Nigeria! May his soul Rest in perfect peace,” she wrote.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Ibidapo-Obe died on Sunday at the age of 71.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, described Ibidapo-Obe’s death as a rude shock to the university community.
“The news of his death came to the university as a rude shock because of the great service and dedication he has put into developing the institution since he joined as a student in 1968, later as a staff and eventually as the eighth vice-chancellor (2002-2007).
“His commitment vision resilient and tenacious nature helped to shape the university in many ways,” he added.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, amongst others have paid tribute to the late academic.
