President Bola Tinubu has described deceased elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as a man of big ideas.
He mourned the death of the renowned businessman and former Governor of old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, died at 90, with Tinubu describing his death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s history.
This is contained in a statement issued by the President’s Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
Tinubu described Tukur as a towering figure whose distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
Born on Sept. 15, 1935, Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982.
The President recalled that Tukur helped modernise port operations and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure.
He also recalled Tukur’s entry into politics during the Second Republic, culminating in his election as Governor of old Gongola State in 1983.
Tinubu said Tukur later distinguished himself in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and DADDO Group of Companies.
The companies had interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading, while Tukur also served as Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995.
On the continental stage, Tinubu described Tukur as an eloquent champion of Africa’s economic renaissance and a strong advocate of private sector-led growth.
He said Tukur, as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, promoted intra-African trade and sustainable development.
Tinubu also recalled Tukur’s service as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.
He said Tukur made sterling contributions to Nigeria’s democracy through his efforts to promote party discipline and build consensus.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear.
“He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” Tinubu said.
The President extended his condolences to the Tukur family, Fombina Emirate, and the government and people of Adamawa.
He also commiserated with Nigeria’s political and business communities and their counterparts across Africa over the loss.
Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant his soul Aljannah Firdaus and comfort all those mourning his passing.
