They said the demise was a loss of one of Nigeria’s finest philanthropists and nationalists.

Mark’s condolence message to the immediate family of late Okoya- Thomas, the government and the people of Lagos State, was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja.

Mark said, “Chief Okoya-Thomas was a big brother, who showed tremendous interests in my personal well-being, and always encouraged me in the pursuit of my endeavour.

“He was a sports enthusiast and a philanthropist par excellence who lived an eventful life worthy of emulation.”

Recalling his numerous contributions to the development of Lagos State where he served in various committees, Mark said the late Okoya-Thomas made impact in many aspects of life and excelled.

Mark urged the Okoya-Thomas family to remain guided by the good legacies left behind by their illustrious father.

Also, the Kwara State Speaker, Atunwa, described the death as sad and a great loss to Nigeria.

Atunwa said the business icon died at a time when his wisdom and wealth of experience were greatly needed to salvage the nation’s economy.

The Speaker, in a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Sanni Abdulrahman, described Okoya-Thomas as a kind-hearted, foremost Industrialist, bridge-builder, philanthropist per excellence, sport enthusiast and a lover of youths whose contribution to education was second to none.

Lagos State Speaker, Ikuforiji, described late Okoya-Thomas as “an uncommon patriot, a foremost sports administrator, an industrialist of uncommon pedigree and a philanthropist, whose great contributions towards human and sports development can never be wished away in a hurry.”

He said, “The sudden demise of this uncommon patriot, a juggernaut in the socio-economic and human development, has robbed our nation of one of her very best citizens ever to emerge on this part of the planet.”