• We have lost a consummate administrator –Saraki
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has said the late Ayora Bola Kuforiji, who died at the weekend, in Lagos, served her nation and humanity “with all her God-given strength and talent.”
According to the president, the multiple professional, national awards and fellowships she received were well-deserved.
His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement said the president commiserated with the family of former minister of Commerce and Industry, who died at the age of 80.
President Buhari recalled his October 20, 2016 meeting with the banking and accounting guru, at Aso Rock where he congratulated her on her 80th birthday and said she was warm and hearty. The president extended his condolences to the government and people of Ogun State, the banking industry, Kuforiji’s friends and professional colleagues over the sad loss.
He affirmed that the first female president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), whom he described as a distinguished economist and manager who scored many firsts in breaking the glass ceiling in both private and public services, would be remembered for redefining the place of womanhood in Nigeria’s development and inspiring others.
President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will grant her eternal rest, and also comfort all her loved ones.
On his part, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, described Kuforiji as a consummate administrator who discharged all her duties with passion, during her lifetime.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said: “It is sad that our dear mother has taken her final journey at age 80.
“The purpose-driven life she led would continue to inspire present and upcoming generations, particularly women.
“In her humble way, she proved that women can attain the zenith of their career, if only they can dare to dream and set out to realise their dreams.”
According to the Senate president, Olubi was a personality of many firsts. She was the first female president of ICAN, first woman in sub-Saharan Africa to serve as chairman of a leading financial institution, UBA; the first chairman of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and vice chairman, National Conference on Nigerian foreign policy, among a host of others.
While praying God to grant the soul of the deceased enteral bliss, he commiserated with her immediate family, the people and government of Ogun State over the incident and urged them to be consoled by the fact that the late Otunba Ayora lived a life of achievements worthy of emulation.