LAGOS: Govt to immortalise Ndubuisi Kanu, give ex-governor befitting burial

GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised the family of the late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd.) that his administration will foot the bill incurred during the elder statesman’s funeral

The governor noted that the state government would participate fully in all the programmes leading to the burial of the elder statesman.

Sanwo-Olu also added that Kanu’s place in the history of Nigeria is assured, stressing that the former military governor of Lagos would be immortalised.

The late Kanu, who was a leader of the National Democratic Coalition died at the age of 77 on Wednesday.

The governor described the late elder statesman as a ‘detribalised’ Nigerian whose circle of friends cut across the Niger.

He said a four-man committee, led by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, had been set up to work with the family of the deceased and other stakeholders to honour and give the late military leader a befitting burial.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family at their residence in Victoria Island, Lagos, was accompanied by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folasade Jaji; and members of the state executive council.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, titled, ‘Lagos’ll give Ndubuisi Kanu befitting burial, says Sanwo-Olu,’ the governor said, “He (Ndubuisi Kanu) was completely detribalised. He was a builder and a brother across the Niger. He was a true, real Nigerian that we all need to celebrate. That is why we are here humbly on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State to reassure you that the state is solidly behind you in this time of grief.”

On his part, Hamzat commended the late Kanu for his contribution to the state and Nigeria.

He said, “Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd.) was one of those that laid the pillar of what we benefit today as the military governor in 1976. If people like him are not in short supply, this country will not be like this.”

Responding on behalf of the family, the widow of the deceased, Gladys thanked the government for offering to finance the burial.
She added, “Since this current government came into power, we have seen a lot of changes between the previous government and this one. This current government has achieved a lot.”