Last Moments Of Life Of Deceased Billionaire, Deinde Fernandez

Family sources and close friends have revealed the last moments of life of deceased billionaire, Chief Deinde Fernandez, who died on Tuesday, September 1, at age 86.

Deinde Fernandez and his daughter Abimbola

Speaking with The Punch, Dele Momodu, one of Fernandez’s closest associates, said that he had an apprehension that the business mogul, who had been hospitalised for an undisclosed illness, might not make it.

Momodu said that he spoke with Fernandez on Saturday, August 29, when Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, put a call through to the ailing businessman, who was in a hospital in Belgium.

“This was a man who had such a strong and booming voice. He found it difficult to pronounce my name. I guess he had been ill for some time. He was 86 years. This was a man who had flogged his body and worked tirelessly all his life,” he said.

Describing Fernandez as a great African, Momodu called on Nigerians to emulate his work, ethics and flair for recognising opportunities.

“He was one of the greatest Africans. He was never a global champion. He was a global player. This was a man who owned an island in New York and the road leading to the island is named Ambassador Deinde Fernandez Avenue. He hosted Nelson Mandela privately in his house. Everything about him was larger than life.

“The first lesson was his ability to recognise opportunities. He made his first million after reading an advert in a newspaper and his ability to connect with leaders. He was representing other countries as ambassadors. He was busy until about two years ago,” he added.

READ ALSO: 8 Things To Know About Dead Billionaire, Antonio Deinde Fernandez

While there was no official statement from the family, Abimbola, a musician and one of the children of the late billionaire, took to social media to break the news of her father’s death.

“Daddy’s girl for life. I just lost my hero. Rest in paradise with mum. Only God is holding me together now.”

She later appealed to her friends online, saying: “Tonight, I ask for your prayers. My father has passed to glory and is now resting. Keep his memory alive. Kings never die.”

The aggrieved daughter described her father as the most amazing man who did everything for his family.

“My mother was his queen and my sister and I were his little princesses. He gave us everything and so much more. If you try to attack, he will bite. But behind closed doors, he is loving,” she added.

Mrs Phillips, the first child of Fernandez, said that her father was also “a very strict man who had no drama around himself.”

Speaking with The Nation, Mrs. Phillips confirmed that no burial arrangements had yet been made.

READ ALSO: Inside Alinko Dangote’s Luxurious Mansion

Meanwhile, Akinwunmi Ambode, the governor of Lagos state, expressed sadness over the death of the business mogul.

In a condolence message signed by Habib Aruna, the governor’s chief press secretary, he described the deceased as a bureaucrat and an experienced diplomat who gave his all to the service of the African continent.

“Among other virtues, Chief Fernandez dedicated himself to the service of the African nation and will be remembered for his contributions to promote peace, harmony and, above all, equity. He has surely left his footprints on the sands of time. I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, the good people of Lagos State and Nigerians on this painful loss,” the message read.

The post Last Moments Of Life Of Deceased Billionaire, Deinde Fernandez appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.