Prominent personalities across the country and from all walks of life on Tuesday gathered at Gudu cemetery, Abuja to bid elder statesman, newspaper publisher and a minister during the Second Republic, Malam Ismaila Isa Funtua, bye as he was laid to rest.
Isa Funtua who died on Monday in Abuja at the age of 78 was a the life patron of International Press Institute (IPI) and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
He was buried at the Gudu Cemetery, Abuja after the Janaza (funeral prayers) were held for him at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque Area 1, Garki Abuja after the mid-afternoon prayers.
Among the personalities at the burial are former EFCC Chairman, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, members of the National Assembly, former FCT Minister, Aliyu Modibbo Umar; former Minister of State, Health, Aliyu Idi Hong; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; an elder Statesman, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim; Chairman Media Trust Limited, Malam Kabiru Yusuf; and the Publisher Blueprint Newspapers, Malam Mohammed Idris.
Meanwhile, tributes have continue to pour in for the late business mogul from all segments of Nigerians.
In their tributes, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Ahmed Wase have expressed sadness over the death of the former President of NPAN.
In separate statements issued on Tuesday in Abuja ,the Speaker and his deputy describe Funtua’s demise as painful.
Gbajabiamila said Funtua,who was a lifetime patron of NPAN and the International Press Institute, lived a life full of service to humanity.
He also condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari over the loss, Funtua being a long time friend of the president.
The speaker prayed that Almighty Allah would give his family, the people and Government of Katsina State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also prayed for Jannatul Firdaus to be his final abode.
Wase, in a condolence message described Funtua as an entrepreneur, a business mogul of repute and distinguished status.
He said the late statesman was a great philanthropist who employed great labour as well as an astute democrat who lived an exemplary life and committed himself to the service of the nation.
The deputy speaker also condoled with the President, the governor of Katsina state, Aminu Bello Masari and the good people of the state over the loss of their illustrious son.
Also, Sen. Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, has commiserated with the family of late Ismail Funtua, describing the death of the renowned businessman and nationalist as national loss.
Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, in his condolence message in Lagos on Tuesday described Funtua as a rare individual of immense talents, abilities and generosity.
Tinubu said they spoke two days before his demise, as they often and he still spoke vibrantly, with his trademark logic and deep knowledge.
The former governor said they ended their conversation agreeing to resume soon and there was no indication that, that would be their last interaction.
Tinubu noted that he had the distinct honour of knowing Funtua for many years.
“Mallam Funtua loved our nation with uncompromising passion having served Nigeria with dedication and commitment at different times in many important capacities.
“He wanted the best for the country and its people and worked diligently in his private capacity to advance the course of Nigeria.
“As a long-time friend, associate and in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari, he served as a strong buttress of support for the president and for his progressive administration.
“I commiserate with the president at this time for we have suffered the loss of another person of great intellect and extraordinary character.
“Our national family mourns deeply because of this unexpected departure, may Allah give our president the added strength and grace to overcome this loss,” he said.
Tinubu added that he mourned with the immediate and extended Funtua family who had lost a father and patriarch.
The former governor said his condolences to Gov. Aminu Masari of Kastina, Waziri of Katsina State and the Funtua Community.
He asked Almighty Allah to accept the soul of Mallam Funtua and admit him to Aljanna Firdaus.
Also, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu, on Tuesday, expressed sadness over the death of Mallam Isa Funtua.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja by the Office of the Senate Chief Whip, Kalu extolled the virtues of late Funtua and noted that the deceased would be remembered for his patriotism and selflessness.
While acknowledging his contributions to social, economic and political development of Nigeria, Kalu described Funtua’s death as a huge loss to the country.
The lawmaker commiserated with President Buhari, the government and people of Katsina.
The former governor of Abia urged the Funtua family to sustain the good legacies of the deceased.
Kalu said that he received the news of the demise of the prominent industrialist and Chairman, Bulet International Construction Company with sadness.
He said, “Funtua was a statesman, who contributed to national development in different capacities in the private and public spheres of life.
“The late industrialist lived a purposeful life and left behind remarkable legacies for his family, associates and loved ones to emulate.