Buhari prays for Onyeama’s speedy recovery, mourns foremost scientist Izuogu

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, prayed for quick recovery of Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, after he tested positive for COVID-19 pandemic, and went into self isolation.
Buhari made his feelings known in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja.
The president described the minister as a strong pillar of his administration.
He commended him for working tirelessly to stem the spread of Coronavirus in the country as a member of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
Buhari also lauded Onyeama for ensuring the safety of Nigerians abroad.
“The country is eternally grateful to Geoffrey Onyeama for his diligence in attracting international support for Nigeria to defeat the Coronavirus pandemic, and boost the economy.
“I wish him speedy recovery,” he said.
Onyeama had earlier on Sunday disclosed, via his Twitter handle, that he tested positive for the Coronavirus and has gone on self isolation.
He said: “Did my fourth COVID-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately, this time, it came back positive.
“That is life! Win some, lose some. Heading for isolation in a health facility and praying for the best.”
Buhari also extended deepest condolences to the family, friends, the government and people of Imo State on the passing of Dr Ezekiel Izuogu, a trail-blazing innovator and scientist.
The president’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Sunday.
Buhari believed that, as a well-respected academic and gifted engineer, Izuogu would be fondly remembered and honoured for his exceptional work that laid the foundation for the manufacturing of the first indigenous prototype car in Nigeria.
He noted that Izuogu, beyond his accomplishments in the field of science and innovation, was also an important name in Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to the president, Izuogu’s vision and leadership were recognised as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees and member of the National Caucus.
He affirmed that the legacy of Izuogu would live on in the innovations he pioneered, the human institutions he built and passed on to those that came in close contact with him.
Buhari prayed Almighty God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort all who mourned.