By Chinyere Aruogu
Former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has described the late Bola Kuforiji-Olubi as a woman of uncommon courage. Bola died at the weekend. She was born September 28, 1936.
The former ICAN president graduated from the University of London in 1963 and was appointed the first female chairman of the United Bank for Africa, UBA in 1984.
Daniel further described her as a remarkable woman of exemplary pedigree and one of the brightest in the constellation of Nigerian prominent women.
In his condolence message on the passing of the renowned technocrat and distinguished administrator, the immediate past Governor of Ogun Stat stated that late Kuforiji-Olubi was a woman of enormous integrity, quintessential professional and an intellectual of global repute who made her mark in a male dominated world.
According to the former Governor, the contributions of the late boardroom Amazon to the socio-economic development of the country was huge having served in various capacities in both private and public sectors and noted for her exceptional performance as a ‘primus-inter-pares’.
As an economist, chartered accountant, banker, chartered secretary, an environmentalist, philanthropist and community leader, her rare intelligence and unique diligence stood her out as a shining figure among her peers in the discharge of her duties and responsibilities with matching accolades and honours.
“Her death was a big blow to not only her family but the womenfolk, Nigeria and the entire world going by her unequalled achievements both locally and internationally but we take solace in the solid legacies she left in professional ethics, doggedness and selfless service befitting a woman of substance which she was till her last breath,” he said.
The deceased recently visited President Muhammadu Buhari to thank him for his contribution to her success. She said that it was Buhari as a military Head of State that appointed her the first female Chairman of United Bank for Africa.
During the visit she had said: “Having turned 80, I looked at my life and made a list of those who contributed to what I have become in my life and the name of President Muhammadu Buhari came topmost on the list. This is why I am here to pay my respect and thank him.”