President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness over the passing of his long-time friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua who died of cardiac arrest on Monday at 78.
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The President’s condolence message was released by Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Monday night.
President Buhari condoled with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry on the loss.
The statement reads;
President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on the passing of his long-time friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
The President condoles with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss, describing him as “greatly admired and respected’’.
President Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.
The President prayed to Allah for repose of Malam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Funtua was the founding Managing Director of the New Africa Holdings (publishers of the defunct Democrat newspapers).
He was the chairman of Bulet Construction Company, which built many of the iconic public buildings in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He is expected to be buried on Tuesday (today) according to Islamic rites.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
