President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness over the passing of his long-time friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua.

Funtua was life patron of the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

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.

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 President described late Funtua as “greatly admired and respected’’.

According to the Nigerian leader, the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as “Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey’’.

The President prayed to Allah for the repose of Funtua’s soul and to grant the family, strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

In a related development, the Northern Governors Forum has described the death of Mallam Isa Funtua as painful. The Chairman of the forum and governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, in a condolence message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, on Monday in Jos said Funtua’s death was a loss to the nation.

“This is a great loss to his family, the Northern Region and the entire nation considering his immense contributions to national development.

“He is one person that has built bridges among people of different ethnic, religious and political persuasions and also encouraged unity, peace and tolerance,” he said.

The chairman said the deceased distinguished himself in the journalism profession where he played critical roles for freedom of expression and the press.

He said the elder statesman also encouraged responsible journalism practice aimed at promoting nation-building and propagation of truth, justice and the fight against corruption.

Lalong said the business acumen, humility and hard work of Funtua among his many achievements would continue to inspire the younger generation especially as a worthy role model amidst loss of confidence of selfless leaders in the nation.

He also commiserated with President Buhari over the loss of the deceased who was his long term associate, supporter and political ally and offered counsel to the government on many issues.

Lalong condoled with Funtua’s family and prayed for God to give it the fortitude to bear the loss.

He said Nigeria, particularly the Northern Region, would miss his wealth of wisdom and knowledge which he offered during critical times while praying to God for his soul to rest in peace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased died at 78 years.

He was the founding Managing Director of the New Africa Holdings, publishers of the defunct Democrat Newspapers.

The deceased was also the founder of the indigenous construction company, Bulet International Nigeria Ltd. (NAN)

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