In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister hailed Mallam Isa Funtua’s contribution to media development and his untiring defence of free speech and the freedom of the press, starting from his days as the founder of the Democrat Newspapers to his stint as the President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
He said Mallam Isa Funtua’s passion for the media industry saw him serving as the life patron of the NPAN and taking active interest in matters concerning the industry until his death.
”Mallam Isa Funtua was a man of many parts, with his eventful life highlighted by service, whether as a media icon, an entrepreneur or a philanthropist. He also served as a government Minister and a member of the 1994-1995 Constitutional Conference, hallmarking his versatility,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
He extended his condolences to Mr. President, other family and friends of the late Isa Funtua, the NPAN and indeed the entire media industry.The Nigerian Guild of Editors expressed sadness over his demise and prayed the Almighty God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss of an elder statesman, newspaper publisher, a brilliant administrator, a former minister and a feisty defender of free press.
In a statement signed by the President, Mr Mustapha Isa and Ken Ugbechie, National Publicity Secretary, the Guild said, “A friend and political associate of President MuhammaduBuhari, MallamIsmailaFuntua has, over the decades, remained consistent like the Northern Star whose influence stretched beyond journalism to manufacturing and politics. In him, the nation will miss a forthright and bold patriot who deployed his defunct newspaper, The Democrat, to foster national unity, promote free speech and engender a culture of high ethical standard in journalism.
“The Guild mourns a friend and supporter whose appearances and seminal contributions at our annual conferences helped to deepen discourses and provide a compass for the younger generation of journalists in the country.
“Until his death, Mallam Funtua was a life patron of both NPAN and the International Press Institute, IPI. Journalism and the nation would miss this rare patriot. He was also a former President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN.”
Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua, OFR, whose sudden death occurred on Monday, July 20, was buried on Tuesday, 21, July. He was 78 years old.
