Two-Time Minister, Gentleman JMK Bows Out
Former Minister of Finance, Jubril Martins-Kuye died this morning, Sunday, 17 January 2021 at his hometown, Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State at the age of 78. He was born on 16 August 1942. His death was confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor of Ogun State.
The two-time Minister of the Federal Republic, fondly called JMK, graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1968. He was in Sultan Bello Hall. It was my own friend and brother, Prof Femi Odekunle who brought me in close contact with his friends and classmates like Yemi Kayode-Adedeji, Tayo Lambo, David Lambo, Leye Ajayi, Niyi Adedeji, Leki Adelekun, Layi Erinoso, Jubril Martins-Kuye, Segun Afolabi etc who were all two years my senior at the University. These seniors were all remarkable scholars and jolly fellows. JMK was particularly cool. He was a complete gentleman. I always wondered which came first. That Sultan Bello Hall, UI was named Gentleman’s Hall because Martins-Kuye was there or it was because the Students Affairs Office of the university noticed that Martins-Kuye was a gentleman and therefore assigned him to Sultan Bello Hall.
JMK served as a Senator during the Third Republic and was later appointed Hon Minister of Finance between 1999 and 2003. After this, JMK served as Board Chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA for about three years and served again as Minister of Commerce and Industry between 2010 and 2011.
Throughout his life, JMK was devoted to service at all the levels he found himself, from college to undergraduate days, to the Hallowed Chamber of Senate, to the Federal Executive Council. Above all, he was the devout Muslim husband who was married to a devout Christian wife and the couple lived happily together because, according to JMK, they were “serving the same God”.
JMK, my friend and senior, your departure is shocking and painful. We are, however, hopeful that the Almighty God will accept you to His bosom and grant you eternal peace and comfort your families, friends and associates.
Dr Olu Agunloye.
17 January 2021
