By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has expressed sadness over the death of his long time ally, Chu Okongwu.
He was 87.
Okongwu served for eight years under Babangida’s administration, first as the Minister of Finance from 1985 to 1986 and National Planning from 1986 to 1990; and subsequently as the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and later, as the Minister of Petroleum.
In an emotional tribute to Okongwu, the former Nigerian leader lamented that his death left him with a painful pang.
He further said the deceased was one Nigerian who was devoted and committed to nation building, and used his expertise and rich knowledge to create templates for national development.
IBB said: “No matter how old, when dear ones depart from us, we feel a deep sense of loss and pain. The nostalgic feelings invoke in us grief and some sort of emotional torture. Death, the ultimate end of man has its hurtful claws clutching at humanity, each time it strikes.
“The death of Chu Okongwu, even at age 87, leaves me with a painful pang. Chu, was one Nigerian, who was devoted and committed to nation building, using his expertise and rich knowledge to create templates for national development. When our paths crossed, his intellect and humane disposition to discourse, swayed my attention. He was incisive and analytical in his deliberations. He was profound in his elocution and didactic in his delivery.
“Nigeria has lost another brilliant and intellectually fecund professional, with an amazing understanding of the world around us. A super economist, Harvard trained, and also a lecturer with a deep knowledge of economics, Chu Okongwu was an exceptional brain that helped to shape the direction of our government. As a Minister of National Planning, he helped to create policy implementation strategies that facilitated our achievements in government.
“He later became Minister of Finance for four years and was able to lead us on the path of financial discipline and accountability. Chu Okongwu was a very strict professional and public servant. He was meticulous, and had eyes for little details. He enjoyed intellectual engagement and had specific interest in interrogating figures. He was one of our reservoirs of knowledge on economic and financial issues.
“At 87, Chu, was still in his usual elements until the sad news of his death struck me early this morning. It is painful for me that death has snatched away one of the brightest economists we have in Nigeria. A very exposed leader of men, whose love for Nigeria knows no bounds, Chu will be sorely missed.
:May God in His infinite mercy grant him eternal rest. May He grant the family the grace and piety to bear this irreplaceable death. Chu was a great man, and he died like all great men do. Rest in peace, Sunday Chu Okongwu.”