President Bola Tinubu has extended his sympathies to the family of Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo, Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who passed away at the age of 95.

In a condolence message released on Wednesday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Mbanefo as a distinguished professional and elder statesman whose life was marked by service, discipline and patriotism.

Tinubu noted that Mbanefo made remarkable contributions to both public administration and the private sector, earning recognition as a leading figure in Nigeria’s accounting and financial landscape.

He said the deceased played a key role in strengthening the country’s accountancy, taxation and audit frameworks through innovative ideas and professional excellence.

According to the President, Mbanefo’s career in public service was characterised by a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to national development, while his private sector engagements helped lay foundations for modern professional practices in Nigeria.

The late diplomat also served Nigeria in several leadership roles, including as Permanent Representative to the United Nations and as Pro-Chancellor of prominent institutions such as the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University and Ahmadu Bello University.

Mbanefo was a respected member of the global accounting community, holding fellowship status in both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

President Tinubu also expressed condolences to Mbanefo’s friends, colleagues, and the government and people of Anambra State, urging them to find comfort in the enduring legacy of service and excellence he left behind.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of Mbanefo’s soul and asked God to grant strength and consolation to his family at this time of loss.