Contact: CANAN, 516-819-4355

NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Members of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans, CANAN receive the news of the passing away of Nigeria's Ambassador to the US, Prof Adebowale Adefuye with heavy hearts. However we are thankful to God that not only was he a believer, he lived a life worthy of praise to his maker.

Ambassador Adefuye was a true Nigerian patriot, an envoy par excellence, a notable scholar, an exemplary family man and an incredibly good-spirited human being. He would be sorely missed.

When CANAN was formed, Ambassador Adefuye embraced the association and soon became a supporter of the group, featuring prominently in CANAN's events and supporting our advocacy. Once the US government designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, FTO, he joined with us to form a Global Platform to advocate for and seek support for the victims of terrorism in Northeastern Nigeria.

As Nigeria's Ambassador to the US, we have adjudged him while he was still alive to be among the very best envoys in the history of US-Nigeria diplomatic relations. In September 2013 we awarded him publicly the DISTINGUISHED AMBASSADOR AWARD, which he personally received. In words and in deed, Adefuye actually performed the role of the Nigerian envoy here in the US in a very unique way, becoming not just the voice of the Nigerian government here, but also the voice of the Nigerian community.

While he was a great asset to the government he served, he was also a present help for the causes of Nigerians here, especially when unjustly maligned and taunted in the western press' generalizing castigations. He actively proudly supported CANAN's mission to project the right image of Nigerians here, ensuring that high flying Nigerian achievers here got the limelight they deserve.

He supported causes that promoted the interested of US-based Nigerians and was always willing to listen to even critical views about the government he represented here, often responding with charity and cordiality.

Although he has departed in flesh, Prof Adefuye, the son of an Anglican Bishop, has left indelible marks in the hearts of many who encountered him whether in the discharge of his many public offices, as a teacher or in other personal instances. He cannot be forgotten.

We join with all well meaning Nigerians and Americans in condoling his wife, children, family and the Nigerian government over his transition, and we pray that his gentle soul shall find rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus, in whom he expressed devotion and faith while alive.