Nigeria lost a bright star, Okonjo-Iweala mourns Ibidapo-Obe

Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria lost a bright star with the death of former University of Lagos (UNILAG) VC, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is the leading candidate for the job of director-general of the World Trade Organisation, made this known on Twitter on Monday night.

“I am deeply saddened that we have lost one of Nigeria’s Brightest Stars, my brother Prof Ibidapo-Obe, to Covid19. Prof Chaired the Governing Council of@AUSTNigeria whose Board Of Trustees I chair. Deepest condolences to his family & to Nigeria! May his soul Rest in perfect peace,” she wrote.

Ibidapo-Obe died on Sunday at the age of 71.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, described Ibidapo-Obe’s death as a rude shock to the university community.

“The news of his death came to the university as a rude shock because of the great service and dedication he has put into developing the institution since he joined as a student in 1968, later as a staff and eventually as the eighth vice-chancellor (2002-2007).

“His commitment vision resilient and tenacious nature helped to shape the university in many ways,” he added.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, amongst others have paid tribute to the late academic.