Tobias Sylvester
Former Minister of Labour and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, Ajibola Afonja, has died at the age of 82.
Ajibola Afonja, who was born in Oyo, died on Sunday night at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State, according to a family source.
He had a notable career, serving as the Chairman of First Bank’s Board of Directors and being appointed Minister of Labour during Ernest Shonekan’s interim government.
Afonja was also the chairman of Integrated Dimensional Systems and other companies.
He earned a degree in Accounting from Kingston University in the UK in 1970.
After graduating, he worked for John Mowlem & Co, a construction firm known for projects like Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons.
He returned to Nigeria in 1974 after holding key accounting positions at the company.
The Oyo Global Forum, a prominent socio-political group, expressed their sorrow through their chairman, Taiwo Adebayo.
They mourned Afonja as a national figure with a significant impact on the Oyo community, where he was known for his industrial efforts and generosity.
“On this dark day in Oyo, we mourn the loss of Ajibola Afonja, former Labour Minister and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, who passed away on Sunday night, aged 82.
“Although, a national figure with tremendous influence, he was particularly light for the Oyo community where he made pioneering efforts as an industrialist.
“His legacy of generosity and open-heartedness touched countless lives, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
“Until his last month, Daddy IDS, as he was affectionately known, as a reference to his manufacturing company, remained hardworking, dedicated to realizing one of the most transformative business visions for the country’s economy. It was the E-Customs project.
“His absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his spirit of generosity and leadership will continue to inspire us.
“For all of us that he inspired, we shall honour his memory by carrying forward the values he embodied and continuing his legacy of service and compassion, the values that guide OGF, which he supported during his lifetime.”
The group extended their deepest condolences to his family, the Oyo community, and his friends and associates worldwide.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the entire Oyo community, and friends and associates throughout the world during this time of mourning,” Adebayo said.
KanyiDaily had also reported how a Second Republic lawmaker and veteran Journalist, Sidi Ali, passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 86 in Kano State.
