Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, aged 78 who was the founding Managing Director of the Democrat Newspaper and the former president of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria is dead.
He died of cardiac arrest on Monday night, July 20.
In a statement titled: ” President Buhari mourns friend, political associate, Isma’ila Isa Funtua.’ released by Garba Shehu on Monday.
“President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on the passing of his long-time friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria.
“The President condoles with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss, describing him as ‘greatly admired and respected.’
“President Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.
“The President prayed to Allah for the repose of Malam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.”
