The first indigenous Chairman and Managing Director of United Africa Company (UAC), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of three Nigerian Universities (Benin, Nsukka and Calabar), Chief Christopher Abebe is dead. He died at 99.
President Muhammadu Buhari has, on Friday, commiserated with the Abebe family and the Edo State Government over the death of Dr. (Chief) Christopher Abebe.
Christopher Abebe was the father of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s late wife, Stella.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari described the deceased as “astute and dedicated community leader and business mogul.”
Buhari also commiserated with the in-laws, friends, the organised private sector and the Iruekpen community in Edo State.
The press release: “The President believes that as the Odionwere (community leader) of Iruekpen, the first indigenous Chairman and Managing Director of United Africa Company,Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of three Nigerian Universities (Benin, Nsukka and Calabar), Dr. Abebe was a shining light and worthy example of hardwork, positive influence and patriotism to his local community, the private sector and the nation.
“The President urges family members, business associates and the Catholic Church in Nigeria where he served committedly as Papal Knight of St Gregory and Supreme Knight of St. Mulumba to honour Dr Abebe’s memory by upholding his lifelong dedication and passion to human development.
“The President prays that Almighty God will grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.”