Tag: eulogise

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Bola Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians eulogised yesterday the late former Governor Michael Otedola.

They spoke at a tribute session organised by the government in honour of Otedola, who died on May 5 in his Odoragunshin home in Epe.

He was 88.

His widow, Lady Doja, and children – Lola Segun-Idaho and Femi Otedola, among others, were at the event, which was held at Onikan Stadium.

Others present include former Governor Lateef Jakande; Rear Admiral Ndubusi Kanu (rtd); former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Otunba Adekunle Ojora and top government officials, among others.

Fashola said the late Otedola left a good legacy for his successors to build on, adding that the tribute in his honour will help to define a path of progress for the people in their developmental journey.

He described him as a great leader, who did a lot to promote the state’s interest.

The governor said the late Otedola’s strong convictions in the face of uncertainties made him even more remarkable, adding: “In my view, it is the idea behind his foray into politics that endures beyond his physical contributions. An idea that every generation must borrow from the idea that nothing is impossible and that convictions and hard work can make dreams possible.

“That is one legacy of the late Otedola that will not die. It is a lesson for both the old and the young that nothing can be considered impossible or lost until genuine attempts have been made to achieve it.”

Thanking the former governor’s family for allowing the government to be part of what ordinarily should be a family programme, Fashola said: “I thank Lady Doja for allowing us to play a role. I say this because a funeral is first and foremost a family and personal affair. But in life’s journey, men and women renounce their personal space to undertake a noble calling of public service. When this happens, it changes many things; not only during their lifetime, but also in death.”

The governor described the late Otedola as a model of excellence, saying his choice of the sobriquet, “Centre of Excellence”, for the state reflected his hunger for excellence.

He said: “As one of his successors, I have found this inspiring in my work. The standard of excellence is high, difficult to attain and constantly changing. Every Lagos governor who remembers that Lagos is the Centre of Excellence will never lie at ease because in the race for excellence, there is no finish line. We remain inspired and grateful for these ideas as we celebrate the life and times of a great man.”

Fashola said the deceased’s son, Femi, an oil magnate, has donated N1 billion for scholarships to indigent students.

He said the funds would be disbursed through the Otedola Foundation, adding: “Femi Otedola has requested me to announce that he will be making a contribution of N1 billion towards funding scholarships in the state. I have told him that our government will work with him and the Otedola Foundation to develop modalities to ensure that the fund achieves its purpose in a transparent and sustainable manner.”

Tinubu said the late Otedola’s tenure, though brief, achieved enough progress to prove that he was a leader of high quality and principle.

The former governor, who was represented by his former deputy, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, said: “He was modest and unassuming, yet brave and focused. He is an individual one would always want to have in the room and on his side. Baba was a key player in directing the politics of Lagos State in a positive and progressive direction.”

Oyinlola, a former Lagos Military Administrator, who succeeded the late Otedola, said: “As a governor of Lagos State flying the flag of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), the late Otedola’s ability to hold members of the executive and legislature together in relative peace was a strong indication of his respectability, integrity and acceptability in a political setting, whose legislature was dominated by an opposition party, the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP).”

The late Otedola’s former deputy, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, said he was “a good listener, who always took his time to deliberate on issues”.

House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji described the late Otedola as “the Lion of Odoragunsin, a pathfinder for Epe Kingdom, a giant of Epe and a pacesetter for Epe Division”.

Ikuforiji said for a long time, the late Otedola was the face of Epe and his charisma epitomised the nature of an average Epe indigene.

He said: “There is no doubt that the late Otedola was a man of peace, who governed with a human face during his time as governor of our dear state. He is a father of the nation, an exemplary statesman, a genuine philanthropist, an icon and eminent Nigerian. Excellence was his core pursuit for Lagos State. Lagos will never forget him because his indelible record of service has given him immortality.”

Lola Segun-Idaho said her father was attentive to his children, trustworthy, honourable, principled and disciplined.

She said her father had a good home because he was contented, adding: “When daddy retired, he did not settle in Ikoyi or Victoria-Island as people thought he would; he returned to his Odoragunshin home town in Epe and contributed immensely to the development of the area.”

Eminent Nigerians yesterday poured encomiums on the late patriarch of the Tinubu family, Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu.

The occasion was the 10th memorial anniversary prayer organised for the deceased on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Memorial Mosque, was attended by Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Chairman of the Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd).

Also present were members of the Lagos State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris, and his Science and Technology counterpart, Adebiyi Mabadeje; the chief imam of Lagos and traditional rulers, among others.

In his tribute, Fashola described the late Tinubu as a great man, who served humanity selflessly, adding that he was “part of the goodness that God gave to Lagos and Nigeria”.

He said: “Many whose lives he touched, including me, will bear testimony to the humane, compassionate and God-fearing character of this legendary ex-commissioner of police from Kakawa area of Lagos, who defended people’s rights with as much vigour as he upheld discipline and enforced the law.”

Stressing the late Tinubu’s generosity and selflessness, Fashola said the deceased offered free legal services to the people, especially the indigent and downtrodden.

He said even when the deceased’s law firm was financially distressed, he used his money to defend many cases.

Fashola said: “One of the late Tinubu’s famous clients was the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji. We fought market cases and, of course, the late Tinubu always led me to court. After announcing himself, he would say ‘My learned friend, Mr. Fashola, will try this case’ and he would sit down and watch me do it.

“I remember the defense and trial of cases of the Anwar-ul-Islam. For me, it was a huge sense of responsibility to be entrusted with the assets of the Anwar-ul-Islam, a mission in pursuit of Islamic, educational and Muslim values, because by reading all the files on how the mission was founded, the role great Islamic scholars played and how the first school was built, I was engaging in the course of history that took place 10 years before I was born. It was a big experience for me.”

On free legal service, Fashola said he was warned earlier by one of the late legal luminary’s sons that his cases were not for money-making.

He said: “The late Tinubu had a lot of cases and I do not think any one of them ever paid a kobo. I do not remember any case I tried that we wrote a bill for. It was always free.”

Praying for the repose of the deceased’s soul, Fashola said the late former police boss took him as his son.

He donated money towards the building of the Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Memorial Mosque.

Asiwaju Tinubu said the deceased was passionate about Lagos and its development, as well as his (Asiwaju’s) performance as Lagos governor.

He said: “He rose above self to create a better society. The story of his public service career reads like a book of civic virtue and high purpose. He walked a path that we all must emulate. He loved to serve.”

Regretting that the patriotism that drove men like the late Tinubu to invest their lives in making Nigeria work “seems almost quaint and misplaced’, Asiwaju Tinubu said: “Today and in our present circumstance, we have a succession of myopic leaders, who have failed to make Nigeria work for all but themselves.

“Let us use this sombre occasion to rededicate ourselves to building a new Nigeria. However, it can only happen by emulating the life of the man we have come to honour and the lives of others like him, who in their places of vocation, their homes and wherever they found themselves, lived according to a lofty purpose and sought a higher goal.

“Let us stand for the premise that this nation is better than its past and present; that this nation finds its true self in the future that we shall begin to create. Only in this way do we honour the life and legacy of the late Tinubu.”

Others who paid tributes to the deceased were his widow, Hajia Bintu; the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu 1, who was represented by one of his chiefs; the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa and retired Inspector-General of Police, Etim Inyang, among others.

Highlight of the occasion was the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Memorial Mosque, which was performed by Fashola, Fayemi, the children and widow of the deceased, Asiwaju Tinubu, Dangote, clerics and other dignitaries.

The Senate yesterday extolled the virtues of former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, who died on September 13.

This followed a motion by Senators Boluwaji Kunlere (Ondo South), Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) and Ajayi Boroffice (Ondo North), entitled: “Demise of Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu, the former Governor of Ondo State”, during plenary.

Kunlere said: “As governor from 2003 to 2007, the late Agagu recorded monumental achievements in education, with the establishment of the State University of Science and Technology in Okitipupa and the building of classroom blocks across the state.

“He opened up the riverside areas by building roads and bridges, the first in the state, and facilitated the establishment of the Omotosho Power Plants that will play a major role in the power transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

“His role in the establishment of the Olokola Free trade zone will remain evergreen in the minds of the people.”

The lawmaker described the late Agagu as “an intellectual of repute, a consummate politician, a wonderful networker, a nationalist, a socialite, a community leader, a devoted Christian and, a family man married to the one and only Mrs. Olufunke Agagu”.

He said the marriage was blessed with children, who are all successful in their careers.

Senate President David Mark described Agagu as a perfect gentleman. He said even when the late politician lost the 2007 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he worked with the Labour Party (LP) administration in the state.

Mark said the late Agagu was a dedicated and resourceful person.

He said Agagu’s “politics without bitterness” should be embraced by politicians.

Senators Danjuma Goje, Boroffice, Ehigie Uzamere and Adegbenga Kaka also eulogised the late former governor.

Uzamere recalled how he and Agagu flew to Nigeria from Atlanta, the United States (U.S.), a day before he died.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Agagu.

The President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mark Anthony Dike, described the late Agagu as a prompter of professionalism.

In a statement, Dike said: “It is with a great sense of shock and loss that we received the sad news. Indeed, Nigeria and the CITN will definitely miss him, particularly at a time his wealth of experience is needed most. If there was any player in the Nigerian political field that did not follow the rules of the game, at least, by the selfish and ruthless approach to state administration, it was the late Agagu.”

Recounting how the late elder statesman promoted professionalism during his tenure as governor, Dike said in 2005, when most state governments were struggling to enhance their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), a non-tax professional was nominated the chairman of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue Service.

Dike said: “When the leadership of the institute brought the governor’s attention of the position of the law on such appointment, Agagu apologised for the oversight and immediately directed his Finance Commissioner, Tayo Alasoadura, to reverse the nomination of the non-professional appointee while ensuring that an astute tax professional, Mr. John Adebiyi, replaced him. This action, to the CITN, was a demonstration of the hallmark of a serious government that was willing and ready to increase its revenue base for the development of the state and through the instrumentality of taxation and tax professionals.”

He urged political leaders to emulate the late Agagu.

 

Eminent Nigerians have continued to extol the virtues of the late publisher of the Tribune, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, son of the first Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He died on the 27th of last month due to complications from a ghastly motor accident he had in 2006 on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

At a commendation service yesterday on the premises of the Tribune in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the late Awolowo’s family members, friends, colleagues, associates gathered together to bid him farewell.

In his address, Senate President David Mark said: “The late Awolowo lived a fulfilled life. He was everything you could ask for in a friend. He stood for truth at all times. He was always dedicated and patriotic. I am proud to be related to him.

“When he took over the leadership of Tribune, he brought all the workers together as friends, brothers, colleagues and family. He was a manager of men. I condole with his family, the Yoruba and Nigerians at large.

“Oluwole was a nationalist. He saw and handled issues from a national perspective and was always after the country’s peace and progress.”

Mark urged Nigerians to emulate the late Awolowo.

Former Oyo State Governor Chief Omololu Olunloyo said the late Awolowo was an honest and reliable man.

Olunloyo said he lived with the deceased in Abuja for many years and was impressed by his integrity.

He said: “Oluwole loved his father very much. I always told him that not all Awolowo’s children can be an Obafemi. I used to ask him then if he wanted to go through the hardship his father went through when he was alive. He is a good example of Awolowo in a country where Awo’s name is used for the selfish interest of politicians.

President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) Femi Adesina, in a tribute entitled: Not even death can break the unbreakable, said the late Awolowo was very humble.

Adesina said: “He could have chosen to be among the aristocrats, looking haughtily down on lesser mortals from his lofty station in life, but he chose to be down to earth, living the life of a simple, everyday man.

“At NGE, we hold the Tribune group in high esteem. It is Nigeria’s oldest privately-owned newspaper. The late Awolowo ran this reputable and powerful newspaper with absolute humility. He never threw his weight around, whether within the company or outside it.”

The NGE president said editors and journalist will uphold the late publisher’s legacies.

The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, said he was friends with the deceased for over 50 years, describing him as a very humble man, who always wanted to help the needy.

He prayed for the progress of the Awolowo family and the Tribune.

Former Minister of Transport Chief Ebenezer Babatope said the deceased was “humble, kind and hardworking”.

Babatope, who was the late Awolowo’s friend for over 42 years, said: “People always said Oluwole was very stubborn, but to me, he was a symbol of humility and was very respectful.”

A former Editor-in-Chief of the Tribune, Mr. Oduwole Abiodun, said: “Not only did the deceased lead us physically, but also spiritually. He related with us as his brothers and not employees. We had a friend in him and his legacy will live after him.”

Spokesman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Mr. Folu Olamiti said: “The late Awolowo was not proud. He worked with different types of people, irrespective of their background. He was always willing to help, whether his assistance was solicited or not. He struggled at all times to keep a low profile.”

In his sermon entitled: You have to remember, the Archbishop of Ibadan Methodist Diocese, Rev. Kehinde Stephen, said all human beings must die someday.

The Archbishop, who was represented by Rev. Opeyemi Awe, said human beings should be prepared to give an account of their stewardship to God.

Mr. Bukola Awolowo, who spoke on behalf of the deceased’s children, described his father as “a humble and great man.”

He thanked all the dignitaries, who graced the occasion and pledged to uphold the deceased’s legacy.

Others present include, Chief Kayode Soares; the Chairman, Governing Board of the Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, Mr. Jackson Udon; Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio’s media aide, Mr. Sina Kawonise; Editor in Chief, Compass, Mr. Edwin Igbolun; former Director of The Punch, Chief Lekan Alabi; Dr. Kunle Akinjide and Mrs. Bose Adedibu, among others.

The Owelle of Onitsha, Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, sent a condolence message to the Awolowo family.

Chukwuma, who is the first son of former President Nnamdi Azikiwe, described the late Awolowo as “a cherished friend”.

The message reads: “I remember the kindly way Mama HID Awolowo received Wole and I when we drove from Lagos to her shop in Ibadan in the mid sixties.

“Please accept my condolences on the death of your dear son. May God Almighty grant you and your family the fortitude to bear this great loss.

“Wole was a cherished friend. He was a man with a good and large heart. He did not discriminate against tribe, religion or class. He had what the Latin Americans called humanisimo. There is no English translation of humanisimo, but the Latins say it encompasses humanism, soul, tolerance and kindness. Wole was a good man from a decent family. May God grant his great and gentle soul eternal rest.”

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ogun State and a pan-Yoruba group, the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), have condoled with the Awolowo family on the death of Evangelist Oluwole Awolowo, son of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sola Lawal, ACN said being the custodian of the Nigerian Tribune, the oldest private newspaper in the country, Oluwole’s death has created a leadership vacuum.

The party said: “His absence will be greatly felt by the management of the Tribune and the media industry because he carried out his functions as publisher with diligence and credible ethical standards, thus sustaining the dream of its founder.

“Nigerian Tribune, established in 1949, is a success story and this could not have been possible without the diligent contribution and support of the late Oluwole.

“We acknowledge his early courageous foray into politics as a member of the youth wing of the then National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) at the age of 12 and his contributions as councillor in the then Lagos City Council and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly in the Second Republic, representing Apapa at both levels.

“The chieftaincy titles conferred on him in Ijanikin and Isolo in Lagos, Owo in Ondo and Ijeun in Abeokuta, and the fact that he was a prince of two Royal Houses in Remo land, Ogun State, are instances of his worthy and commendable humanitarian services.

“As a remarkable entrepreneur and evangelist, who served the Lord till his death, the late Oluwole lived a fulfilled life.”

The party prayed that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Kunle Olajide, YUF said: “The Vice-Chairman of the Forum, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, and members of the organisation commiserate with the founder and chairperson of this organisation, Yeye Oodua, Mrs. H. I. D. Awolowo, and the entire Obafemi Awolowo dynasty on the passing away of Evang. Oluwole.

“YUF received news of his death with deep shock, but with gratitude to God Almighty that he lived a simple life. He was a very hardworking man and a silent achiever with an unobtrusive personality.

“For about four decades, he held forte successfully as the Publisher and Vice-Chairman of the inimitable Tribune titles, effectively steering the ship of the organisation.

“Even in difficult times for the print media, the late Oluwole was always on top of the situation, ensuring that the Tribune titles remain vibrant and independent. In the tradition of the Awolowo Heritage, he was a detribalised Nigerian patriot and a committed Yoruba leader.

“In the last two decades, he devoted his time and resources to the work of God, propagating the gospel as a renowned evangelist. He was a philanthropist, always ready to assist the needy. It is heartrending and painful that my good old friend, ‘Unbreakable’, is no more.

“May God grant Mama HID and the Awolowo dynasty the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Eminent Nigerians yesterday eulogised the former Governor of Oyo State, the late Alhaji Lam Adesina.

The late Adesina, who was governor from 1999-2003 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), died in a Lagos hospital on November 11 at 73.

Thousands of dignitaries attended the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain’s eighth-day Fidau (prayer), which was held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, the state capital.

They include ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence; Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Oyo State Deputy Governor Alake Adeyemo; Gen. Raji Rasaki; Gen. Oladayo Popoola; Col. Ahmed Usman; Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Akin Olajide; former Governor Rashidi Ladoja; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao; former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Chief Iyiola Oladokun; Chief Femi Olaifa and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Suara Busari Aruna.

Others are Director of the First Bank of Nigeria Oba Otudeko; the Iyalode of Ibadanland, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin; Alhaji Muftau Ajadi Laninhun; former Sports Minister Prof. Taoheed Adedoja; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Senator Ayoade Adeseun (Oyo Central); Mr. Kamil Akinlabi (Oyo Federal Constituency); Oyo West Local Government Chairman Soji Ojoawo; his Oyo East counterpart, Mr. Muktah Adekunle; Caretaker Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and representatives of the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where the late Adesina graduated, among others.

In recognition of the late politician’s contributions to the state’s development, Ajimobi said a school would be named after him.

He said pupils who pass entrance examinations would enjoy the Lam Adesina Education Endowment Scholarship through the inaugurated Fund, adding that the deceased loved education and cherished brilliant children.

Ajimobi urged ACN members to remain united and thanked chieftains of opposition parties for attending the event.

He prayed for the repose of the late Adesina’s soul and urged all present to pray for the forgiveness of their sins.

Ajimobi said: “Everybody can see that life after Lam’s death is blissful.”

Sheik Bello warned politicians against corruption and urged them to live exemplary lives.

The cleric rattled the dignitaries when he said those wearing uniform Ankara were senseless and asked if they were happy that Adesina was dead.

Everybody grumbled. Tinubu, Ladoja, Arisekola, Osoba andAkande were aghast and looked at one another.

Ajimobi, his wife, his deputy and many others wore the Ankara uniform.

Bello said he did not regret what he said and asked those wearing the uniform if they meant well for the late Adesina.

“It may be hot, but I must deliver my father’s message”, he added.

Responding to the scathing remark, Tinubu said the uniform was to identify with the children of the late Adesina and was not intended to mock the dead.

Ajimobi asked Bello to forgive them for wearing ankara uniform, saying: “It is our culture, just as you Imams also wear Alkimba at such events.”

Bello thanked Ajimobi for funding the 2012 Hajj.

He cautioned that the death of a Muslim should not be celebrated with the slaughtering of cows and prayed God to grant the late Adesina eternal rest.

Bello urged Ajimobi to establish a school in Lam’s name and grant pupils of the institution free tuition.

He condemned the naming of streets after the dead because successive administrations also rename such streets after their favourites.