Buhari mourns Dr. Izuogu, celebrates Premium Times Publisher on award
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday expressed sadness on the death of a well-respected academic and gifted engineer, Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu who invented the first indigenous prototype car; Z-600 in Nigeria.
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) in a statement stated that the President conveyed his deepest condolences to the family, friends, the government and people of Imo State on the passing of the trail-blazing innovator and scientist.
According to family sources, the deceased died on Saturday after a brief illness.
President Buhari believes that Dr. Izuogu will be fondly remembered and honoured for his exceptional work that laid the foundation for the manufacturing of the first indigenous prototype car in Nigeria.
The President notes that Dr Izuogu, beyond his accomplishments in the field of science and innovation, was also an important name in Nigeria’s political landscape; and his vision and leadership was recognised in his service as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees and member of the National Caucus.
President Buhari prayed almighty God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourn.
On the other hand, President Buhari has applauded the co-founder and publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, on his being named one of the four awardees for year 2020 International Press Freedom Award, by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
According to Adesina, the President said the honour attests to Olorunyomi’s many decades of commitment to the ideals of journalism and freedom of the Press.
“Democracy and a free Press are kindred spirits, and that is what we have committed to as a government. It is, therefore, gratifying to hear of this award to one of our own,” President Buhari says.
He enjoins Olorunyomi to use the occasion of the award to recommit himself to all that is noble, fair and just in journalism, adding that a responsible media is part of the building blocks of a country.
The President reiterates that a free and responsible Press remains an abiding commitment of the Nigerian government, and urges the media to adhere to the finest tenets of the noble profession at all times.
Olorunyomi wins the CPJ award along with three other journalists from Bangladesh, Iran and Russia.