The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Thursday, condoled with the family, friends and associates of the first African President of the International Geographical Union, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, 90.
He said the departure of the erudite professor would be greatly felt by the nation, especially in the academia.
Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled ‘President Buhari mourns Prof. Akin Mabogunje.’
According to Adesina, “The President commiserates with Mabogunje’s network of professional associates and experts, at home and abroad, who have shared in his vision of nation building, with cerebral works in urbanisation, human and regional development, geographic perspectives and shelter provision.
“President Buhari notes the depth, reach and extensive research of the first African President of the International Geographical Union, who in 1999 was first African to be elected as a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences, and in 2017, was elected a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and received the Vautrin Lud Prize.”
The President affirmed that Prof. Mabogunje’s contribution to education in Nigeria, and in many parts of the world, remained indelible, especially in the leadership positions he held, which included Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ogun State University, Chairman of Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, Member, Board of Trustees Nigerian National Merit Award Endowment Fund and later Chairman of the Fund.
President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God would grant the renowned geographer a peaceful rest, and comfort his family.
