Tag: condole

Senate President David Mark; House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, were among eminent Nigerians who commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the death of three of its officials in a road accident in Osun State at the weekend.

In a condolence message in Abuja to the NUJ President, Mallam Garba Mohammed, the Senate President noted that the journalists were cut down in their prime.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, quoted Mark as saying he received the news of the journalists’ death with shock and sadness.

Mark said: “I received with shock and sadness the death of your colleagues in a motor accident in Osun State. This is unfortunate. I share in this pain and earnestly identify with you in this moment of grief. Please, accept my condolence on behalf of the Senate.”

He regretted that the journalists died when their services were most needed to strengthen democracy.

Mark added: “The best way to immortalise your late colleagues is to constantly uphold the sanctity of truth, fairness and objectivity in your trade and contribute towards promoting good governance, rule of law and human rights.”

Tambuwal described the late journalists as heroes, who dedicated their professional lives to the nation’s progress.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, the Speaker noted that by their sudden death, the nation has lost the services of vibrant and consummate professionals, who gave their best for the unity and development of their union and the country.

He prayed God to give their families the fortitude to bear the loss and quick recovery for those injured in the crash.

Sultan Abubakar, who is the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed sadness on the death of the NUJ officials.

In a statement yesterday by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Abubakar said: “We received with deep grief and sorrow, the news of a road accident in Osun State, which claimed the lives of three national officers of the union.

“Coming at this time of our national life, such a disturbing incident only amounts to additional agony for the entire country, especially with daily reports of callous killings in one form or another.”

The Sultan regretted “that such youthful professional men and a woman could lose their lives fortuitously in that manner during their dedicated service to the nation”.

He added: “The irony of life in this case is that destiny cannot be evaded by any human being, despite any level of carefulness.”

Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF) yesterday condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and employers of the three journalists from the Lagos and Oyo State Councils of the union, who died in a road accident.

The Chairman of the forum and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu also commiserated with the families of the late journalists. He prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, the NSGF chairman said the forum was saddened by the death of such well groomed professionals.

Aliyu said: “The death of the hard-working journalists has created a void in their media organisations and the journalism profession.”

The governor urged authorities charged with fixing roads to live up to their calling.

He also advised road users to always adhere to safety rules and regulations to avoid a recurrence.

Former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) General Muhammad Buhari (rtd.); former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema and the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu yesterday visited Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi to condole with him on the death of his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

Former Ministers Aliyu Modibbo and Femi Fani-Kayode; Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu; Ondo ACN officials and representatives of the Elders Forum of the Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, also visited him.

Anyaoku said the achievements of the administration were as a result of the good working relationship between the governor and his late deputy, as well as other members of the state executive.

Urging Fayemi not to be discouraged by the death of his “co-pilot”, he said: “I am here to commiserate with you on the death of your deputy. This is my first time in this state and I am impressed by the developmental strides, especially the road network.

“This shows that you and your late deputy and the rest of your executive are working as a team. Like you said yesterday, she was your co-pilot and that shows she played a very important role in the administration.

“You should not be discouraged by her death, rather you should strive to actualise the vision to develop the state.

Shema, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari, described Olayinka’s death as “a great loss”.

Ribadu said the nation has lost a rare gem.

He said he worked with the late Mrs. Olayinka during the electioneering period and observed her as a hardworking and committed woman.

The former EFCC boss said the late Mrs. Olayinka’s dedication and loyalty would be missed by the progressives.

Akeredolu urged the government to establish more cancer research centres in the country.

Representatives of former Ekiti deputy governors also visited the governor. They are Chiefs Paul Alabi, Abiodun Aluko and Abiodun Olujimi.

They described the late Mrs. Olayinka as “a woman with a deep sense of responsibility”.

Alabi said: “She served you very well, because you used to speak of her sincerity of purpose and loyalty to you in public. She was very humble. She was not carried away by her office. Her respect for elders was commendable. We pray God consoles you, her family and the entire people of the state.”

Former Oyo State Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun; members of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), led by Mr. Wale Oshun; Ekiti Council of Elders and popular musician Yinka Ayefele also condoled with the governor.

FORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande yesterday commiserated with the Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi over the death of his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

The former vice-president described the death of Mrs. Olayinka as “unfortunate”.

Atiku urged the governor to accept the death of his deputy as an act of God, saying “the death of the Ekiti State deputy governor is not only a loss to Ekiti State, but to Nigeria because she was a faithful and committed compatriot.”

Tinubu described the death of Mrs. Olayinka as a big blow.

He said: “The sudden demise of Ekiti deputy governor Funmilayo Olayinka is a big blow and comes at a time when she is most needed to play a vital role in the transformation of Ekiti. She rose like a meteor and brought compassion and grace to the exalted office of the deputy governor. She was a leading light amongst women of her generation and creed. Alongside the people of Ekiti, I share in the sudden and painful loss of this great daughter of Oduduwa and rising star, Mrs. Olayinka.

“Her painful death sadly reminds us of the parlous state of our health care system in Nigeria. The lives of millions of our men and women are in jeopardy as they suffer under the disease of cancer without early detection and adequate treatment. A national cancer center of international center needs to be established with proper funding and subsidised cost for testing and treatment.”

Prof. Soyinka said her death would be felt by the state, her family and the country.

Prof. Soyinka said: “Her departure will be felt as a great loss to your administration, to the people of Ekiti State, but most especially to her family, to whom I request that you be so kind as to convey my message of fortitude in the face of this grievous bereavement.”

Akande said the deceased would be missed by the ACN for her selfless contributions.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala described her as “a beautiful and intelligent sister, who worked assiduously for the development of the state”.

A former governor of the old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, described the deputy governor’s death as a “personally painful experience”.

Olumilua, who is a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), said the late Mrs. Olayinka “brought glamour to governance and the politics of the state through her modest and intellectual approach in handling issues”.

President Goodluck Jonathan and several eminent Nigerians yesterday visited the Ikenne, Ogun State, home of the Awolowos to commiserate with the family on the death of the publisher of Nigerian Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

They condoled with the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.

Oluwole died at Wellington Hospital, St. Johnswood, London, on Wednesday night. He was 70.

The President was represented by his Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mr Oronto Douglas.

The sympathisers included Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; former Justice Minister and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola; Alakene of Ikenne-Remo, Oba Adeyinka Onakade; representatives of the Ooni of Ife, led by Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Elijah Adegoke; frontline politician, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi; Justice Owolabi Sonoiki (rtd); eminent lawyer, Chief G. O. K. Ajayi; former Chief of general Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd); Prof Timothy Ogunlesi and Ogun State Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Abimbola Awofeso.

Others are former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and his wife; Olufunke, among others.

In the condolence register, Dr Jonathan said Oluwole was “a great son of Nigeria is gone. Adieu, our leader and brother”.

Amosun wrote: “I really don’t know what to say or write. Despite our grief, we thank the good Lord. He gives and takes. We cannot question or query God.

“May the good grant you eternal rest and may we continue to give Mama good health and may He comfort Mama and the rest of the Awolowo family, biological and political. Adieu.”

Mark: The Unbreakable has pass on

Senate President David Mark, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, governors and other prominent Nigerians yesterday mourned the death of the publisher of Nigerian Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

Mark described Oluwole’s death as a painful exit.

In a condolence message to Ogun State Government and the Awolowo family, the Senate President said the news of the cleric’s death was saddening.

He noted that the late publisher was an “erudite administrator who lived a godly life with love and passion for humanity”.

Mark added: “I recall with nostalgia the tenacity of purpose portrayed by late Evangelist Oluwole. He never discriminated against friends, workers and even relations.

“When the mantle of leadership fell on his shoulder, even at early stage of life, he stood firm and made a great impact.

“The Unbreakable, as he was fondly called by associates, has passed on. We are pained and saddened, but what can we do? This is purely the will of God Almighty, as death is an inevitable end of all mortals. We have once again lost a rare gem, kind, considerate and selfless Nigerian.”

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Senate President sympathised with Ogun State Government and the Awolowo family. He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.

He was a man of peace, says Atiku

Atiku Abubakar described the late Oluwole Awolowo as a peaceful person, who did his best to keep the kite of Awolowo’s heritage flying decades after the death of the late sage.

The former Vice-President noted that Oluwole’s death is a loss not only to the Awolowo family but also to all supporters of the Awolowo dynasty.

In a statement in Abuja by his media office, the frontline politician described the deceased as a man who was at peace with his God and fellow humans.

“Decades after the death of his father, Chief Oluwole Awolowo did his best to keep the kite of the African Newspaper of Nigeria, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune, flying. He will be remembered as a man of peace, who was committed to his family,” the Turaki Adamawa added.

He prayed Almighty God to grant the Awolowo family, particularly its matriarch, Chief H. I. D. Awolowo, the fortitude to bear the loss.

 

Aregbesola: his death a big blow to Southwest

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the death of the last son of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was a big blow not only to the immediate family but also to the entire Awolowo political dynasty, the Southwest and Nigeria.

In a statement yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor said Chief Oluwole Awolowo’s death came as a rude shock.

He noted that the late Oluwole proved that he was a successful businessman, administrator and leader of people.

Aregbesola said: “During his life time, Chief Oluwole Awolowo was a shrewd businessman, who excelled in that calling; an astute administrator, a devout family man and a firm believer in selfless service to his people.

“He was a rallying point in the dynasty of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. For many years after the departure of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he remained a pillar of strength to Mama Awolowo, performing, so to speak, the role of son and father figure to the matriarch.

“On behalf of myself, the government and the people of the State of Osun, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire Awolowo family, the government and people of Ogun State, the Tribune titles’ management, the Awolowo political family, the Southwest and Nigeria. We pray that Almighty God give his soul eternal rest.”

Oshiomhole condoles with family, Tribune

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday condoled with Mama Awolowo on the death of her last son.

In a statement in Benin, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, the governor said: “I learnt with rude shock and grief news of the death of your son and scion of the Awolowo family, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I offer my heartfelt condolences.

“We share in the grief and pain of the Awolowo family at this very difficult period, knowing how closely knit the family is.

“…While we commiserate with his immediate family, we pray God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Ajimobi: he demystified wealth

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi described Oluwole’s death as shocking and a great loss to Yorubaland.

In a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the governor said: “Chief Oluwole Awolowo’s passage, shortly after the demise of his sister, Mrs. Ayo Soyode, is a great blow to a Yorubaland, which will not forget in a hurry the footsteps of development and leadership offered the Southwest and indeed Yorubaland by their father and the father of us all. He was a jolly good fellow who desired the good of the Yoruba nation and worked for a return to a path of peaceful nationhood.”

Ajimobi commiserated with Chief H. I. D. Awolowo, urging her to take solace in the fact that the late Oluwole touched several lives.

He added: “Though shocking and irreparable, his death should not be turned into mourning but a celebration of the great time he spent here on earth. He was one son of a famous leader who demystified wealth and status by associating with the lowly. He drove himself all through, no matter how long the journey was, and enjoyed lifting the children of the poor.”

 Fayemi extols his virtues 

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi expressed shock on the death of the Nigerian Tribune titles’ publisher.

In a statement in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, the governor regretted that death has robbed the Awolowo clan of a shining star who had been a motivator of the family since the demise of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Fayemi noted that Oluwole’s death became more painful because the family had not recovered from the death of the publisher’s sister, Mrs. Soyode, who passed on about two years ago.

The governor credited Oluwole with the nurturing of the Nigerian Tribune, a big media empire which has endured for over 60 years.

He said: “Chief Wole Awolowo was a colourful politician who gave effective and purposeful representation to the good people of Apapa Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly in the Second Republic.

“His humility was legendary and he never allowed his privileged background to get into his head.

“He made himself available to whoever needed his attention and served humanity to the best of his ability.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ekiti State, I condole with the Awolowo family, the Tribune family, the Ikenne community and the entire Yoruba race on this great loss.”

 I’ve lost a brother, says Uduaghan

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan expressed shock at Oluwole Awolowo’s death.

The governor said he has lost an elder brother.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Felix Ofou, the governor said: “Not once throughout my continued encounter with him did he betray emotions of being born with a silver spoon. Unless you are told, you won’t know he was the son of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was simple, humble and very focused. He was not one to be associated with triviality.”

The governor noted that the late cleric and religious columnist cemented his (governor’s) relationship with Mama Awolowo to the extent that he is among the few recognised by the matriarch as one of her children.

“It is against this backdrop that I am concerned about the impact of the death on Mama. Though she has demonstrated strong and unqualified resilience in the face of adversity, I am bothered at this twist of fate,” he said.

Uduaghan condoled with Mama H. I. D., the Awolowo family, the Nigerian Tribune, the Ogun State Government and all those affected by the death.

He prayed God to grant repose for the soul of the deceased.

Ahmed sad

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed described the death as sad, unfortunate and shocking.

In a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, the governor said: “The postulations of the late Chief Oluwole Awolowo in the last couple of years in his column Oba Lectern, (in Nigerian Tribune) though a Christian column, are didactic, inspiring and forthright in a manner that it instills in the reader the quest for up rightness.”

Mimiko consoles Awo matriach

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko said: “May I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ondo State, commiserate with the Awolowo family, both nuclear and extended, biological and political, on the loss of Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

“His death is saddening and made more so by the fact that he is survived by an aged, loving mother, Mama Awolowo. We can only pray that the good Lord grant the family the needed strength to bear this unfortunate loss.”

He was a gentleman, says Fashola

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) described the deceased as a good leader and gentleman.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Hakeem Bello, the governor said: “It is indeed saddening that Chief Oluwole Awolowo would pass on at this time when he is most needed to continue to provide the needed support to the family, especially to the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief Hannah Awolowo, who turned 97 recently…

Vice-President Namadi Sambo yesterday led members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to condole with President Goodluck Jonathan’s family on the death of Chief Meni Jonathan.

Sambo was received by the First Lady, Patience, and the matriarch of the Jonathan family, Madam Eunice, at the State House, Abuja.

He said: “It is a sad event; we felt it; this is a journey that all of us will embark on someday; to God we come, to God we’ll return.

“We are here to commiserate, condole and pray for the soul of our brother and that the Almighty God will fill the vacuum created by the deceased’s death. Please, accept our condolences.’’

The First Lady thanked the FEC members for their visit and said: “It’s quite sad that we lost my brother-in-law at a tender age.

“He was not old, this is the time the family needs him most, but we cannot question God. He knows best and knows why He took him at this time.

“I thank you on behalf of my husband, mother-in-law and the entire family.’’

The delegation included the Ministers of Education, Works, FCT (State) and Aviation.

A minute’s silence was observed by members of the FEC in honour of the late Meni.

President Jonathan has since left for Islamabad to attend the summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of Eight Developing Nations (D-8).

According to Minister of Information Labaran Maku, the council weekly meeting, which was presided over by Vice-President Sambo, expressed sadness over the sudden death of Meni.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has condoled with President Jonathan.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it was shocked and saddened by Meni’s untimely death.

‘’The death of any young and promising person is always a loss not only to his or her family, but to the country, which needs all the energy and creativity of its youths to achieve its potentials.

‘’We commiserate with President Jonathan and his family on this painful loss and pray that God will give them the strength and fortitude to overcome this difficult time. May He also grant repose to the soul of the departed,’’ ACN said.

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) also condoled with President Jonathan, urging him to take heart and be strong.

The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said the President should not be discouraged by Meni’s untimely death, but should forge ahead with the task of providing good leadership to Nigerians.

The condolence, contained in a statement signed by the forum Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, said the best tribute the President can pay to the memory of his departed brother is to continue to touch more lives positively, as he has been doing.

It prayed to God to give President Jonathan and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and to grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has also commiserated with President Jonathan.

In a condolence letter to the President, Oshiomhole said: “I received with shock, the news of the passing on of your younger brother, Chief Meni Jonathan.

“On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I extend my deepest sympathy to Your Excellency, your family and the immediate family of the departed.

“I feel and share in your grief, especially given that Meni left us at a young age. But be comforted that he will be remembered for all he accomplished in such a short period as a wonderful person, great father, husband, brother and community leader.

“I pray that the Almighty God will give you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson also condoled with President Jonathan.

The deceased was the Chairman of the Otueke Council of Chiefs.

Governor Dickson, who led a delegation of senior citizens of the state to the Presidential Villa, prayed for Meni whom he described as a fine gentleman and a proud Bayelsan, owing to his commitment and dedication to the development of not just his community but Bayelsa State.

He prayed that God should grant the President and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Acting Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, has also condoled with President Jonathan.

He described the development as painful and regrettable.

Onyebuchi urged the President and his family to bear the loss with fortitude and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.