May 20, (THEWILL) – An ex-Minister of Labour and former Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, Ajibola Afonja, is dead.
Afonja was a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Bank Plc and was appointed Minister of Labour under the interim government of Earnest Shonekan,
He died on Sunday night, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, aged 82.
The Oyo Global Forum (OGF) announced his death in a statement signed by its Chairman, Taiwo Adebayo.
The statement read: “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 realising 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 its deepest condolences to his family, the entire Oyo community, friends and associates throughout the world during this time of mourning.
