The Nigeria National Summit Group (NNSG) and the Campaign for Democracy (CD) have expressed immense devastation over the death of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Senior Special Adviser on on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Oronto Douglas.

Douglas, a renowned environmental campaigner and social crusader died of cancer in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the age of 49.

The NNSG Executive Secretary, Tony Uranta, released a statement on Thursday, April 9, 2015 to mourn the sudden demise of Douglas in Lagos State.

He said, “Words failed me; we interacted only yesterday.

“Douglas was a great man and he built the bridge between government and the people.

“He invested greatly in human development, he believed in Education for All; it’s a pity he left so soon after battling colon cancer.

The president of CD, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, also spoke on the late Douglas in a statement in Lagos.

According to her, Douglas would be remembered for his passionate commitment to issues of justice, democracy and the environment in a short life that appeared like he had been around for more than a century.

She said, “Even when he moved from social activism to the political plane, he did not abandon those values which mark him out as a democratic icon.

“What is mortal of Oronto Douglas would be interred, but his good deeds will be remembered forever for the values he carried throughout his 49 years on earth.

“He will be sorely missed for his doggedness, eloquence and clarity of thoughts on all issues that matter for a good society.

“Our condolences go to his family, colleagues and friends and President Goodluck Jonathan whom he served in health and ill-health.”