Mr Andrew Yakubu, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, on Wednesday paid tribute to the Late Dr Levi Ajuonuma? who died in the Dana plane crash of June 3.
He also paid tribute to four other workers of the corporation who died in the crash.
Yakubu paid the tribute in Abuja at a commendation ceremony organised by the NNPC in memory of the deceased staff members.
He said they were hardworking, diligent and contributed immensely to the growth of the oil and gas industry.
“Today, we gather here to pay our respect to very illustrious and patriotic citizens of this country who worked hard and were committed to NNPC. Some of us worked side by side with them only a couple of months ago.
“Their passing away has been a very harrowing experience for us, not only in the NNPC, but the entire oil and gas industry.’’
He called on the staff members of the corporation to continue to pray and support the families they left behind.
“We share in your pain and grief at this particular time; we would continue to lend our support in any way we can,’’ he said.
Yakubu said Ajuonuma was an articulate official.
Mr Fidel Pepple, the Acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs of NNPC, said Ajuonuma left big shoes behind that would be difficult for anyone to fill.
“Ajuonuma was not just a boss but a friend. He had a knack for getting things done quickly,’’ he said.
Former NNPC GMD, Mr Funsho Kupolukun, said Ajuonuma was a perfectionist who showed so much dedication to work.
He recalled that he brought Ajuonuma to NNPC in 2003 shortly after meeting him.
“He exhibited zeal and professionalism,’’ he said.
Kupolukun called on friends and staff of the corporation not to abandon the family he left behind.
Ajuonuma was the Group General Manager, Public Affairs Department of the NNPC from Nov. 2003 to June 3, 2012.
He died along with 152 others aboard the ill-fated plane.
Those also remembered in the service were Mr Okikiolu Olukayode, Manager, Pipeline and Depot Project and Mr Ibrahim Nagidi, Senior Contract Specialist to Brass LNG,
Others were Mr Inusa Ahmad-Abba, Deputy Manager, NAPIMS and Mr Anthony Nwaokeagbara, Abuja Zonal Operations Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
The friends and family members of the deceased were present at the ceremony.