Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon
Former
Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Retired) and the Governor
of Rotary International District 9110, Mr. Olugbemiga Olowu, have
described the death of leading industrialist and founding President of
the Institute of Directors, Chief Anofi Guobadia, as a huge loss to the
nation.
In separate telephone interviews with
our correspondent on Thursday, both men said that Guobadia’s departure
had left a deep vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
Guobadia died on Saturday, August 31,
2013 in Florida, United States of America. He was aged 90. In a public
statement signed by his eldest son, Ogbe, his death was attributed to
some medical challenges, including those believed to be related to old
age.
Gowon said that though the deceased died
at a very ripe age, his contributions to nation building and
development would not be forgotten in a hurry.
“I felt very sad to learn about Chief
Guobadia’s death. He was a man of great integrity and a humanitarian of
the highest order. The last time I saw him, he did not look as though he
would be leaving us so soon. Honestly, we at the Yakubu Gowon Centre
will surely miss him. May his soul rest in perfect peace and may God
grant his family and other relatives the courage to bear the loss,” he
said.
Also, Olowu described Guobadia as a very
fine Rotarian and a father to all who left behind a legacy of good
leadership and noble ideals.
“We call him the doyen of Rotary
International in Nigeria because of his contributions to the growth of
the club, especially District 210. He was amiable, hardworking and a
stickler for ethics in business. He was a model for many of us. He will
be missed,” he said.
Before his death, Guobadia sat on the
board of many companies and was actively involved in various sectors of
the Nigerian economy including banking, insurance, agriculture, retail,
trading, healthcare and manufacturing.
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