President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness over the passing of his long-time friend and associate, Isma’ila Isa Funtua.
Funtua was a politician and businessman. A media entrepreneur, he was also a life patron of the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
The President’s condolence message was released by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Monday.
President Buhari commiserated with members of Funtua’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry on the loss.
The President described Mr Funtua as “greatly admired and respected’’.
According to the president, the demise of the publisher and businessman has affected him adversely as “Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey’’.
The President prayed to Allah for the repose of Funtua’s soul and to grant the family, strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Isa Funtua, an influential businessman and politician was the founding Managing Director of the Kaduna based Democrat Newspaper.