Former UN Envoy Arthur Mbanefo, Odu of Onitsha
By Godwin Obi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the family, associates and the people of Anambra State over the passing of Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo, who died at the age of 95.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Mbanefo as an accounting icon, seasoned administrator and elder statesman whose life of service was marked by integrity, diligence and patriotism.
Chief Mbanefo served Nigeria with distinction as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He also contributed immensely to the nation’s educational development as Pro-Chancellor of several leading universities, including the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University and Ahmadu Bello University.
A Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mbanefo was widely respected for his professional excellence. President Tinubu noted that his work in the public service was characterised by uncommon dedication and a strong sense of duty, while his contributions in the private sector helped pioneer innovations in Nigeria’s accounting, taxation and audit systems.
“Chief Mbanefo belonged to one of the finest stocks of Nigeria’s elder statesmen, whose professional excellence and ethical standards left enduring footprints in national development,” the President said.
President Tinubu also commiserated with the government and people of Anambra State, urging them and all those mourning to take solace in the enduring legacy of the late diplomat and technocrat, whose contributions remain indelibly etched in Nigeria’s development history.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of Chief Mbanefo’s soul and for divine comfort for his family and loved ones at this difficult time.
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