President Muhammadu Buhari has described the renowned Economics scholar and elder statesman, Prof. Eskor Toyo as a role model, whose guiding principle was to live for the good of less privileged people.

As Toyo is laid to rest today, Buhari in a tribute on his behalf by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, believed that he would be long remembered as a fearless advocate who never stopped confronting the problems of social injustice, discrimination and poverty in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, academics, students and comrades of the late Prof. Eskor Toyo honoured him with a grand procession yesterday in Calabar.

The procession, which began in the early hours of yesterday took off from Eta-Agbor roundabout and ended at the University of Calabar where he was a scholar for many years before retiring.

Buhari affirmed that with his tireless efforts and advocacy on many issues central to the prosperity of Nigeria, including social justice, human rights and the war against corruption, Toyo has left a most worthy and commendable legacy for other patriotic Nigerians to build upon.

“The President trusts that Prof. Toyo will be eternally honoured and celebrated for his life-long commitment to a better Nigeria and Africa, and as a fountain of knowledge who was a great mentor and role model to his students and admirers.

“President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Prof. Toyo’s family, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State. He prays that God will grant Prof. Toyo’s soul eternal rest and comfort his family, friends and admirers,” he said.Dr. Edwin Madunagu, who was a friend of Toyo, described him as a Marxist with great ideas.

He said: “Eskor was a very selfless, committed and courageous fighter for the masses and the oppressed. He was a Marxist intellectual of world order.”

Patrick Okon, a member of the Calabar Group of Eskor Toyo’s Comrade, said that the procession was an honour to late activist who contributed to the development of academics in the country.

Prof. Musa Kabir, who said he was a colleague of Toyo at the University of Maiduguri, said that the late professor was a great economist.

Kabir said: “Toyo wrote a lot of books copiously on economics and society in learned journals, and other periodicals. He presented papers in large number of conferences in many countries and delivered many distinguished lectures.”

On his part, Dr. Paul Ita, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Calabar, described Toyo as a father and mentor.Toyo, who was a renowned retired Professor of Economics, died in December last year at the age of 86.