•Buhari, Kalu, Dogara, others mourn late boardroom guru
By Omodele Adigun, Tessy Igomu, Charles Adegbite, Sam Otti, Kemi Yesufu, Fred Itua, Abuja
Mr. Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode, foremost technocrat, boardroom guru and first President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) passed on yesterday at the age of 82.
Daily Sun learnt that Pa Onosode was flown home on Monday from London and died the following morning at about 8:15 at Gold Cross Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos after a protracted illness.
The late Onosode once bestrode the corporate world like a Colossus as he served on the board of many quoted companies, across diverse sectors, including blue chip firms like Cadbury as their chairman; he founded the first indigenous stockbroking firm, Nigeria Stockbrokers Limited (NSL), where he was chairman until his demise.
He was the inaugural chairman of the Investors’ Protection Fund (IPF).He was the former Council member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange as well as that of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.He was also the Chairman, Board of Fellows, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
Hours after his passage, tributes and eulogies have continued to pour in from Nigerians from all walks of life.
In his condolence message to the family, President Muhammadu Buhari described the late Onosode as a colossus.
The president also commiserated with the government and people of Delta State, and the Nigerian Baptist Convention on the passing away of their illustrious son and evangelist.
He said Onosode will be long remembered as an exemplary citizen and leader who made very significant contributions to national development.
In his reaction, eminent business mogul and former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, described late Onosode as an exemplary boardroom guru and consummate philanthropist, describing his demise as a monumental loss to the nation.
He acknowledged the accomplishments of the late technocrat in the private and public spheres of life.
“The passing of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode is sad, coming at a time his vast wisdom is needed for the economic advancement of the country. He was a silent achiever who believed in sincerity, hard work and equity. He lived a modest life despite his intimidating credentials. His legacies will remain evergreen in the minds of the people,” Kalu said.
In hia tribute, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara described the late Onosode as gentleman who distinguished himself in business and politics. “Chief Onosode played his politics without bitterness and contributions made by people like him in the defunct All Nigeria People`s Party brought about change in the polity,” he said.