SAT, MAY 20 2023-theGBJournal |President Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have both extended condelences to the familiy of the late banking icon, Chief Michael Olasubomi “Subomi” Balogun, who died at age 89.
The President is a statement Friday said he shares in the grief of loss with the business community, particularly banking and investment sector, over the passing of an illustrious citizen.
The President condoles with family members, friends, and associates of the revered businessman, whose legacy of kindness and charity stretched into many homes, institutions, and communities, touching lives through education, health, and multiple empowerment opportunities.
President Buhari affirmed that Chief Balogun, through foresight, wisdom, and hard work, lived ahead of his time, by starting the First City Merchant Bank in 1983, which has grown over the years, with branches across the country, and working assiduously for the take-off and success of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
The President notes the outpouring of testimonies on the life and times of the legendary banker, especially his towering influence in grooming many talented leaders in the sector, who had since set up their investment platforms, within and outside the country.
President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort all his loved ones.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of the founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun.
Otunba Balogun, the Olori Omoba of Ijebuland and the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians passed on at the age of 89 in London, England on Friday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late Otunba Balogun as a renowned technocrat, seasoned administrator and philanthropist, who made a mark in the country by contributing to the growth and development of the banking sector in Nigeria.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended Balogun’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria as boardroom guru and employer of labour, especially as the founder of FCMB among several other companies.
The Governor also commiserated with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom, Oba Sikiru Adetona and the entire people of Ogun State, especially the indigenes of Ijebu on the demise of their illustrious son and elder statesman.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with the Managing Director of FCMB, Mrs. Yemisi Edun and the entire management and Staff of the financial institution.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of Otunba Subomi Balogun, as well as management and staff of FCMB.
“I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and grant his immediate family, friends, associates, FCMB team, the banking industry and the people of Ogun State, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
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