Tobi Aworinde and Oluwatosin Omojuyigbe
A former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, eulogised the late Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin, stating that his death was a loss to the media industry.
Adesina, in a condolence letter signed on behalf of ADB, said, Aboderin would be remembered for his exemplary character and simplicity.
Adesina said, “On behalf of the Board, management and staff of the African Development Bank, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Punch staff and family at this time.
“Mr. Aboderin will be fondly remembered for his exemplary character, simplicity, extraordinary philanthropy, generosity, humility and innovation.
“His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the Pan-African media community, Punch Nigeria Limited, and the Aboderin family.
“May you find strength in knowing that he will never be forgotten.”
In the same vein, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi, said Aboderin was greatly admired in the media industry, adding that he would be remembered for his resourcefulness, managerial proficiency and invaluable contributions to the growth of the sector.
The President, International Facility Management Association, Nigeria chapter, Mr. Pius Iwundu, while expressing his condolences in a statement, prayed for comfort for the Aboderin family and the organisation.
It read in part, “On behalf of the Executive Council and the entire membership of the Nigerian Chapter of IFMA, we write to commiserate with you on the passing to glory of your beloved chairman. Please, accept our heartfelt condolences.”
The Group Managing Director, CMC Connect Limited, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, said Aboderin was a friend since the early 1970s.
He said, “Only a few years ago, he was a guest at the relaunch of our flagship business, CMC Connect Burson Marsteller. We all remember his usual jovial disposition at the event and his best wishes for the organisation.
“Please, take solace in the fulfilled life he lived while he was still with us here on earth and I pray that Almighty God grant the organisation and his family the fortitude to bear this loss. Please, accept my deepest condolences.”
According to the Project Manager/Architect, Turning Point Network, Mr. Ayodeji Olorunda, Aboderin left his imprint firmly in the sands of time.
“The validation of this is the response of our entire nation eulogising how many lives he touched on his multifaceted journey of life. We also draw strength from the Word of God that confirms that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” Olorunda added.
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