The founding managing director of the Democrat Newspaper and former president of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Ismaila Isa Funtua, is dead.
He died Monday evening from what sources described as “sudden illness.”
The deceased was a close confidant, associate and in-law of Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari.
The late Funtua was also the life patron of NPAN and chairman of Bulet Construction Company.
His death comes three months after the demise of Abba Kyari, former chief of staff to the president. Both men had the ears of the president and were regarded as strong and influential voices within the presidency.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Buhari described Funtua as a steadfast friend who stood by him as he journeyed the political landscape of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Garba Shehu, his spokesman, the president described Funtua as a “longtime friend and associate.”
“President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on passing of his longtime friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN),” the statement read.
“The President condoles with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss, describing him as “greatly admired and respected.”
“President Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.
“The President prayed to Allah for repose of Malam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.”
Funtua will be buried this Tuesday in Abuja.
