Atiku, Daniel Extol Deceased Onosode's Virtues

BEVERLY HILLS, September 29, (THEWILL) – Former Vice President and APC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar and the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel have joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the death of the late technocrat, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, who died Tuesday, at the age of 82.

Describing Onosode as a man of integrity and an exemplary personality, Atiku in a statement issued by his media office in Abuja, said Onosode was not only straight in all his business dealings, but carried himself with admirable composure, standing straight and tall and speaking loudly and clearly right up till his 80s.

“Onosode was a big man who didn’t necessarily look the part,” Atiku said. “He was in trim, good shape and his tastes were simple.”

The Turaki Adamawa also alluded to Onosode’s renowned status as a chairman of many panels, boards, councils, commissions and committees in both public and private sectors. He said that the Urhobo people of Delta State are not the only ones who will feel the loss of Onosode.

“From the private to the public sector, many organisations in Nigeria will today be mourning the loss of one of their own,”Atiku said.

The former Vice President expressed gratitude to God for keeping Onosode alive for all till a ripe age, and encouraged his family, loved ones and community to focus on his achievements and on his contribution to posterity, rather than on his departure to the great beyond.

“You and the rest of Nigeria can rest in the assurance that Onosode left his footprints on the sands of time,” he said.

In his tribute, former Ogun State governor, Daniel described Onosode as a distinguished boardroom player whose contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic development were immense.

“A one time Presidential Adviser on Budget Affairs and Director of Budget in the second republic, Pa Onosode recorded landmark achievements in bringing sanity and disciplined approach to public finance”.

Continuing, Otunba Daniel extolled the virtues of the departed philanthropist who as a devout Christian of the Baptist denomination did so much in aiding the spread of ‘the good news’ and salvaging many souls.

“Though Pa Onosode lived a fulfilled life up to old age, the news came to me as a shock that one of the most illustrious Nigerians is gone. His demise is indeed a huge loss to the whole nation in general,” the politician said.