Prof. Ayamga said Dr Murtala Mohammed was not only a colleague but also a close friend with whom he shared an open and honest relationship. He said Dr Murtala Mohammed, who was passionate about tackling the global plastics challenge, was expected to join the discussions. I was in Geneva waiting for him to join us at the International Negotiating Committee — an internationally binding revolution on plastics, which was very dear to his heart,” Prof. Ayamga said. Prof. Ayamga said Dr Murtala Mohammed was one of the few people he could speak to frankly, adding that the late minister valued honesty and constructive criticism. He revealed that Dr Murtala Mohammed had once encouraged him to work closely with him because he wanted someone around him who could tell him the truth.