By CHIDI MATTHEW NWACHUKWU

Labour Party Chieftain and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to four distinguished Nigerians who passed away in the last couple of months.

The eminent Nigerians who passed on recently include Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a veteran activist; Mr. Pascal Dozie, a renowned banker and entrepreneur; Chief Dubem Onyia, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Professor Olufunmilayo Yetunde Oloruntimehin, a respected scholar and sociologist.

Obi attended their funeral services and burial ceremonies held in different parts of the country. He described their contributions to Nigeria's development as invaluable and prayed that their legacy would inspire future generations.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter handle), the former Anambra Governor, on Sunday, paid his condolences to the families of the eminent departed Nigerians, praying for their peaceful repose.

“After a crowded schedule overseas that saw me attend the funeral of Our Holy Father Pope Francis in Vatican City and my visits to Johns Hopkins University and California State University in Sacramento, USA, respectively. I returned home to an equally jam-packed program of honouring our fallen heroes.

“I had the honour of participating in the funerals of some distinguished Nigerians whose lives made remarkable impacts on our nation.

“Firstly was, Pa Ayo Adebanjo — a man whose life can defined by courage, justice and equity, often fearlessly standing alone on the truth. I participated in Pa Adebanjo's Night of Tributes on Wednesday, April 30th in Lagos.

"On Thursday, May 1st, I attended his Lying-in-state, alongside other notable Nigerians and his burial on Saturday, May 3rd in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

“Mr. Pascal Dozie, whose invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s economic development are well acknowledged. As a banker and entrepreneur, he inspired generations of individuals and businesses alike.

"I participated in his Requiem Mass on Wednesday, April 30th in Lagos, and his burial on Friday, May 2nd in Egbu, Imo state.

“Chief Dubem Onyia, who once served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was a public servant who distinguished himself with fairness, equity, and honour. I participated in his lying-in-state and funeral mass on Friday, May 2nd in Enugu state.

“On Thursday, May 1st, I attended the funeral service and reception of Professor Olufunmilayo Yetunde Oloruntimehin in Lagos, a distinguished scholar and renowned Professor of Sociology, whose academic contributions and writing influence were both profound and enduring.

“May God Almighty, who called all of them home, grant them an enteral rest in his kingdom. May their contribution to a better Nigeria and humanity not be in vain, but help us in building the new Nigeria that is POssible," the statesman posted.