President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the death of Dr Christopher Abebe, the father of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s late wife, Stella.
The President’s condolence was conveyed in a statement signed on Friday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
He commiserated with the Abebe family as well as the government and people of Edo State on the death of the business mogul aged 99.
President Buhari also extended heartfelt condolences to the in-laws, friends, the organised private sector and the Iruekpen community in Edo State over the passage of the astute and dedicated community leader.
He described the deceased as a shining light and worthy example of hard work, positive influence and patriotism to his local community, the private sector, and the nation.
President Buhari further urged family members, business associates and the Catholic Church in Nigeria where Dr Abebe served committedly as Papal Knight of St Gregory and Supreme Knight of St Mulumba to honour his memory by upholding his lifelong dedication and passion to human development.
He also prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourned him.
While he was alive, Dr Abebe held the positions of the Odionwere (community leader) of Iruekpen, the first indigenous Chairman and Managing Director of United Africa Company (UAC), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of three Nigerian Universities (Benin, Nsukka and Calabar) among others.