Demise of Prof. Onitiri is a national loss – says President

President

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President offered deep condolences to Prof. Onitiri’s family as well as the academic community.

President Buhari noted that Onitiri, a consummate and erudite scholar, would be fondly remembered not only for his dedicated services to his nation, but also to regional and international organisations including ECOWAS, the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

He lauded the deceased’s seminal research works and contributions to global discourse on strategies for equitable trade and economic relations among developed and developing countries.

According to him, Onitiri has left a worthy and commendable legacy for the academia, development experts, civil societies and governments to build upon.

“The prolific academic, renowned for preparing the economic blueprint for the transition of Zimbabwe from an Apartheid regime to an independent black nation, will be honoured for his life-long efforts to advance Nigeria’s economic growth through his timely, patriotic works and counsel to past governments.’’

The President prayed that almighty God would grant Prof. Onitiri eternal rest and comfort the deceased’s family, friends and well wishers.

Prof. Onitiri was onetime executive Director of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan.