By Okey Muogbo
The shocking Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah came to Nigeria and Nigerians as a huge shock. Many prominent Nigerians have reacted to his demise, praising the late politician for footprints he left in the sands of time. Here are some of the reactions:
Tinubu mourns Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah
President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The deceased was a renowned businessman and politician. He was the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
“President Tinubu commiserates with the friends and colleagues of the late Senator, the National Assembly, and the government and people of Anambra State over this sad loss.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker, as well as for strength and comfort to his family”, said a statement issued by presidential media adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.
Shock, disbelief in Anambra over Sen Ubah’s demise
The people of the industrial town of Nnewi, in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State and indeed the entire state have been thrown into a rude shock following the death of Sen Ifeanyi Ubah.
Sen Ubah while alive was the senator representing Anambra South district in the red chamber of the National Assembly.
People started discussing the death of the Nnewi born sweet merchant early as 8.00am on Saturday when news filtered.
Attempts to get the official reaction from family, associates and leadership of Nsuko-Ora Nnewi, the umbrella body for all Nnewi people proved abortive as nobody actually wants to be quoted.
As the day went by on Saturday, it dawned on people that indeed the distinguished has indeed died.
Since the incident happened, tributes have been falling like rain from prominent persons, politicians and corporate bodies who all prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed Senator.
Leading the pack of mourners is the Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo who expressed profound shock and grief over the sudden demise of Sen Ubah, who he described as a vibrant businessman and politician.
Gov Soludo lamented that the untimely death of Sen Ubah came as a sorely regrettable loss to Anambra South and Anambra State as a whole, at a difficult time that Ndigbo and Nigeria just lost another patriot in Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
He described Ubah as a prominent son of Anambra State and an outstanding Nigerian whose impact on the polity and business sphere was quite significant.
“As the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, and the CEO of Capital Oil, his contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria were also quite commendable
“Besides, Sen Ubah was a magnanimous philanthropist whose generosity touched countless lives as an employer of labour and a businessman of remarkable vision and acumen,” he noted.
The governor remarked that, despite their political differences and contestations, Sen Ubah remained a dear younger brother and friend to him as his selfless passion for the progress of Anambra State would be most missed.
Gov Soludo conveyed his deepest condolences to Sen Ubah’s family, friends, and associates even as he prayed that the soul of the deceased rest in perfect peace as the family finds strength in his memorable legacies.
Also, the former Chairman of Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke(Ochendo Amichi) has described the death of Sen Ubah as one death too many.
The former Police boss said he was with Ubah last week in Abuja in a meeting of Anambra public officers and elders forum which he said the senator agreed to host.
Chief Okeke said he woke up on Saturday morning to hear the shocking news of Ubah’s death. He said it was most unexpected and very tragic.
“Ubah was a formidable force in matters of security in Anambra state especially in Anambra South and Nnewi in particular as well as the surroundings.
“He was very much active in the issues of security where he invested so heavily, doing a marvelous job. It’s very unfortunate, “he added.
Meanwhile, the Transition Committee (TC) Chairman of Nnewi North, Engr. Chris Obiorah has has also described the death of Sen. Ubah, as a big blow to Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State, and Nigeria in general.
Engr. Obiorah noted that Sen Ubah’s demise was shocking, weird and tragic as he died in his prime.
He said: “I am deeply pained by the sudden transition of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, at the age of 52. He was a dear brother and popular stakeholder. Indeed, a great son of the soil has passed on. Nnewi has lost one of its finest.”
He described Sen. Ubah, as a smart and courageous brother who did great exploits in the business world and successfully rose to the peak of the Oil and Gas Sector before delving into politics where he has displayed his wealth of knowledge and played it with all his might.
Engr. Obiorah stated that Sen. Ubah, was so passionate about giving succour to the vulnerable noting that he would be sorely missed as his philantrophism and magnimity towards his constituents knows no bound.
He expressed sadness that Sen.Ubah passed on at a point in time when Nigeria is witnessing and facing political, economic, security challenges, when his gallant dispositions and courageous attributes would have been valuable.
The Nnewi North LGA TC chairman however enjoined the entire Ubah family, Ndi Nnewi North, the entire Anambra South senatorial district, Ndi Anambra, Nigerians and people from all walks of life whom he influenced to take solace in the supreme being who gives and takes.
Nigerian senate mourns senator Ifeanyi Uba’s demise
With deep sorrow and profound regret, Nigeria’s 10th Senate announces the passing of their esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District, according to the Senate Spokesman, Senator Yomi Adaramodu, Saturday.
According to the 10th Senate, Senator Uba was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents, adding that his untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.
Prior to his illustrious career in public service, the release went on, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. According to the release, the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities. The senate therefore said that through the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, his philanthropic endeavors provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives.
The 10th Senate therefore went further to say that throughout his tenure in the senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole, even as they added that he was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.
In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked: “Senator Ifeanyi Uba was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“We the legislators of Nigeria’s 10th Senate extend their deepest sympathies to Senator Uba’s family, friends, and constituents. We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Anambra State. We pray that they find strength and solace in the legacy of service and dedication he leaves behind. His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to our nation’s progress will continue to inspire us all and we pray that his soul rests in perfect peace.”
Ifeanyi Ubah was committed to a better humanity — Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in last year’s election, Mr. Peter Obi, has mourned his fellow Anambra politician, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, commending him for his commitment to philanthropy and a better humanity.
In a condolence message shared through his X handle, Obi prayed for God grant Ubah eternal rest, and grant his family, the entire Anambra South Senatorial District; Anambra State; and Nigeria the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss.
He wrote: “I received a rude shock this morning, the news of the death of my dear younger brother, and Senator Representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. We were all together at the burial of Mr Chieloka Ubajekwe, the Chief Security Officer of Nnewichi Zone, Nnewi, who was murdered by unknown gunmen.
“Senator Ubah personally welcomed me at the burial and requested that I visit his house for lunch, to which I pleaded with him to reschedule to another date as I already had several engagements for the day.
“During our discussions on the state of the nation, he told me that he now understands my commitment to the progress of humanity and that he aligns with it. He assured me that, despite our party differences, we would work together as a family, in serving our people.
“Similarly, despite party differences, I commended him for his contributions to a better humanity through his Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, via which he cared for the less privileged in society, by investing in their education, and health and pulling people out of poverty.
“I urged him to continue in that direction. May God Almighty who called him home, at this time, forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, the entire Anambra South Senatorial District; Anambra State; Nigeria; and all of us, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. God Almighty protect and bless his family always.”
Ubah was a vibrant entrepreneur, Polician – Umahi
The Minister of Woks, David Umahi has described the late chairman of AUTHORITY newspaper, Ifeanyi Ubah as a vibrant entrepreneur and politician who invested generously in humanity.
In a statement personally signed by the minister, said Ubah death has created a deep vacuum in the social existence of Igbo community and Nigeria in general.
According to the statement, “I received with profound sadness the shocking, unbelievable, and devastating news of the death of the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah whose sad event occurred in London on 27th July 2024 at the age of 52 years.
“Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was a vibrant young entrepreneur and a politician who invested generously in the act of charity and humanity and promoted the social and economic well-being of his people, especially of the district he represented. His death has created a deep vacuum in the social existence of the Igbo community and Nigeria in general. May his departed soul find God’s everlasting compassion, amen.
“My heart goes out to his family, the people he gave effective representation, the government and people of Anambra State, the members of the National Assembly where he served until his death, his associates and all who will miss the affection of this pleasant gem. Please accept the assurances of the compassionate considerations of my family at this solenm moment of grief”.
Sen. Ubah was a towering figure in the media industry – NUJ
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described late Senator Ifeanyi Uba as a political stalwart, a towering figure in the media industry, known for his commitment to journalistic excellence and the empowerment of media practitioners.
The organization said that the late lawmaker, who represents Anambra South Senatorial district in the National Assembly and also the esteemed chairman of Authority Newspapers and the owner of Authority Media in Anambra was unparalleled and dedicated to his commitments until he breathed his last in the early hours of Saturday, July 27, 2024.
NUJ said that his leadership, vision, and relentless pursuit of a free and vibrant press will be sorely missed. It stated that Senator Ubah’s legacy in the media landscape and his indelible impact on journalism in Nigeria will endure for generations to come.
In a condolence statement signed on Saturday by its National President, Chris Isiguzo, the union wrote,
“Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was not just a political stalwart; he was a towering figure in the media industry, known for his commitment to journalistic excellence and the empowerment of media practitioners. His media outfits have been a beacon of truth, integrity, and fearless journalism, providing a platform for a good number of journalists to flourish and make impactful contributions to our society.
“The void left by his departure is immense and deeply felt across the nation. His leadership, vision, and relentless pursuit of a free and vibrant press will be sorely missed. Senator Ubah’s legacy in the media landscape and his indelible impact on journalism in Nigeria will endure for generations to come.
“The NUJ extends its heartfelt condolences to the Ubah family, the staff of Authority Newspapers and Authority Media, and all those who had the privilege of working with and knowing Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
“In this moment of grief, we stand united in our sorrow and pledge to uphold the values and principles that he so passionately championed.
“May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire and guide us in our pursuit of a just and informed society”.
The late senator died in London on Saturday at the age of 52.
Chairman of Ezumezu Umunri, Egwuekwe, mourns Ubah
The Chairman of Ezumezu Umunri Worldwide, Prince Emeka Egwuekwe, who doubles as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prince Interior and Furnishing Company Limited, has mourned the death of his closest friend and associate, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Uba’s death in London Saturday was officially announced by the spokesman of Nigeria’s 10th Senate, Senator Yomi Adaramodu, the same day.
Addressing journalists, while almost in tears in his office, in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the business mogul said that the demise of the politician cum businessman has left a huge vacuum in his home town of Otolo Nnewi, his senatorial district of Anambra State, Anambra State, South East and Nigeria in general.
He said that Ubah, until his death opened many companies through which many fend for their families, even as he added that with his demise, most staff would be affected.
Egwuekwe however enjoined the immediate family, Otolo Quarters in Nnewi, Nnewi Communities, Anambra South Senatorial District and Anambra State to bear the untimely demise of the politician – businessman and leave the rest to God Who knows it all.
In line with his promises and plans to move the party forward in Anambra State, Ubah was said to have recently donated the sum of N50 million to the party, while the sum of five million naira was donated each by Princess Esom Nwafor – Orizu and the Chairman, the Ezumezu Umunri, Prince Emeka Egwuekwe, who doubles as Apakata Onyi Enugwu-Agidi. Others who made donations include Chief Chinedu Okeke, the Ekwe Ogidi, five million naira; Lord Michael Mbanefo, three million naira; Arinze Awogu, the Ikemba Front, two million Naira and; Hon. Acobarry Chukwuma, one million naira.
Before his death, Ubah was the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream). Among the investments he established for employment creation and humanitarian purposes were the Authority Newspapers, Authority Radio, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, FC Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club and Ifeanyi Uba Foundation.
With additional stories from Chess Chess, Myke Uzendu, Abbanobi Eku Onyekachi, Isaac Ojo and Ifeoma Ejiofor
PIX: Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah (in the 2 pages)
