Friends and associates of Nick Imudia, one-time Konga CEO and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of D.Light, an innovative household solar electricity firm with headquarters in Kenya, are in mourning mood following his death.

The late Imudia allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the balcony of his home in Lekki area of Lagos on Tuesday.

In an outpouring of tributes on the social media space, Imudia’s associates and colleagues across the globe eulogised him for his humane and diligent character.

One of them, Jacqueline Novogratz, the founder of Acumen Solutions, a social enterprise, in a Facebook post recalled the friendship she shared with Imudia.

Novogratz recalled how the late Imudia decided to relocate from Finland to Africa in his desire to contribute to the development of the continent a few years ago.

She wrote: “It fills me with the deepest sadness to share the painful news that Nick Imudia, the CEO of D.light has died.

“Nick joined D.light after thirty years as a successful businessman and CEO both in Finland and Nigeria.

“Nick was a man who lived with curiousity and kindness and a great desire to give back.

“He told me that after decades of living in Finland with a successful career, he needed to contribute to the continent (Africa) that had given him so much.

“He loved D.light and led it through one of the most difficult macroeconomic environments.

“He was so proud of his family, his team and the world. And I came to admire him greatly and feel great affection for him.”

She added: “Nick and I were in Nairobi, Kenya this May (and took picture together).

“You will be so missed by all who knew you for your enthusiasm, your care, your beginner’s mind and your willingness to try. For the way you showed up, for your determination and for all you gave to so many.”

In his tribute, Isaiah Reuben Senior said: “Nick was a good fellow. I am sending my condolences to his family and friends.”

Another associate of the deceased, MD Marita, wrote: “His (Nick’s) vision, his passion and his dreams for Africa will be kept by the team. May his soul rest in peace.”

His last interview

In an informal interview he granted in Kenya, the late Imudia had attributed the success of his company, D.light, to the forces of demand and supply which the company exploited.

He said: “We are successful because we run a business that is making an impact and everyone within the ecosystem is helping us to drive that mission.

“There is success because we are running a business where demand is not a problem but supply is a problem.

“In Africa today, we are still talking about 600 million people who don’t have access to a clean source of energy. So, that is demanding and all we do is to put our heads together with our stakeholders and the lenders and create a very good and affordable product and we naturally gravitate toward success.”

In a related development, the Board of Directors of D.light, where Imudia served as CEO until his death, has announced one Nedjip Tozun as the acting CEO of the company.

A statement issued yesterday by the firm reads in part: “It is with immense sadness that d.light shares the news of the death of our Chief Executive Officer, Nick Imudia.

“Nick died suddenly earlier this week at his home in the suburb of Lekki in Lagos State, Nigeria.

“In light of this tragic event, d.light’s Board of Directors has appointed the company co- founder and Chief Commercial Officer Nedjip Tozun as interim CEO.

“Nedjip previously served as d.light CEO from March 2015 until October 2022 and will assume the responsibilities effective immediately to ensure continuity in d.light’s operations.

“Nick was a dear friend and a valued colleague who will be greatly missed by everyone at d.light.

“All our thoughts are with Nick’s family, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time,” said Tozun.

“Nick was appointed CEO of d.light in October 2022 at a very challenging time for the company and the wider off-grid solar energy market,” he continued.

“One of Nick’s enduring legacies is d.light’s healthy and robust position today, which is due in large part to his hard work, dedication and extraordinary leadership.

“We will honour Nick’s memory by continuing to serve our customers and tirelessly pursuing d.light’s goal to transform and improve the day-to-day lives and opportunities of people and families through access to sustainable products.”

In the meantime, the Lagos State Police Command said it has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding Imudia’s death.

Confirming the incident, police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, reportedly said the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is handling the investigation.

“Yes. It is true. He (Imudia) allegedly committed suicide on June 25.

“An investigation has commenced at the Homicide Section at SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos,” Hundeyin said. (Text, excluding headline: The Nation)

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