Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan has received with sadness, news of the death of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Olugbenga Ashiru, the president’s office said in a statement on Sunday.
The statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, extended Jonathan’s condolences to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
It quoted the president as saying that the country would remain grateful to
Ashiru for its many diplomatic successes in the international arena during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ashiru
Reports say Ashiru died on Saturday in a South African hospital after a long battle with a terminal illness. He was aged 66.
The statement said; “Jonathan extends his sincerest condolences to Ashiru’s wife, children, other relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and staff of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“His heart goes out to them as they mourn the exemplary diplomat who gave the most productive years of his adult life to the patriotic service of his nation.
“The president assures them all of the fullest sympathy, solidarity and support of the Federal Government as they mourn Ashiru.”
The statement expressed Jonathan’s belief that the deceased would be long remembered and honoured as one of the very elite few, who was recalled from retirement to serve as minister.
This was after “a long and very distinguished career as a Foreign Service Officer in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs”, the statement added.
It noted that Ashiru’s recall was in recognition of his “widely acknowledged leadership qualities and diplomatic skills”.
“Jonathan believes that Nigeria will always owe the late minister a huge debt of gratitude for his notable contributions to the establishment of mutually-beneficial relationships with other countries while serving as diplomat and ambassador.
“The president prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Ashiru and grant his gentle soul peaceful and eternal rest,” the statement added.(NAN)
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