The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Farewell

  • Farewell to best First Lady Nigeria never had

    Farewell to best First Lady Nigeria never had

    Eminent Nigerians converged in Ikenne, Ogun State last week to pay their last respects to the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo before her remains were committed to mother earth. LEKE SALAUDEEN, who was there, reports.

    It was a glorious exit for the late Chief  Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo, whose remains were committed to the mother earth at the family house last Wednesday after a colourful funeral service in Ikenne Ogun State. The turn-out was massive. It was a gathering of who is who in Nigeria. The calibre of personalities that attended the funeral and the outpouring of love from all over the country, cutting across the socio-political and economic spheres was a demonstration of how well she was revered.

    It was a national burial of sort, given the number of federal and state government functionaries at the session organised to give matriarch of the Awolowo family a befitting burial. The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting was put off to enable President Muhammadu Buhari and some of the ministers pay their last respect to a woman described by her late husband as “My jewel of inestimable value”.  Twelve ministers and 16 governors from across the six geo-political zones were in Ikenne to attend the funeral service.

    Ikenne community had not witnessed the presence of such eminent Nigerians for a long time. It was probably when the late Awolowo was buried in 1987 that a fiesta of that magnitude took place in the town. An excited guest, Dr Tunde Adekunsibe, remarked: “If Mrs. Awolowo had been a First Lady of this country, she couldn’t have had a better burial than what we are witnessing today. I don’t know when last I have seen the crowd of eminent personalities attending a funeral programme just like we have today in honour of HID. Mrs Awolowo was the First Lady when her husband was the Premier of the old Western Region. There was no woman in this country that her funeral attracted such dignitaries, particularly top government functionaries. I don’t know when last Ikenne community had seen the calibre of people that came here to pay their last respect to the matriarch of Awolowo family; may be in 1987 when Chief Obafemi Awolowo died.”

     

    Buhari’s homage

     

    It was a befitting tribute to Mrs. Awolowo, as it was the first time that a serving Head of State had paid homage to the wife of a politician at her funeral instead of sending delegation, as was the norm in the past. President Muhammadu Buhari kept his promise that he would be physically present on the day of funeral.

    The funeral momentarily broke ethnic and political barriers, as politicians from across the divide came together and put aside their differences in honour of the late HID. They exchanged pleasantries and made space for one another on the long, wooden benches, in which they squeezed themselves.

    An indication that Buhari was on his way to Ikenne came when security personnel practically shut down movement within the community. Similarly, the forecourt in front of the model school, recently named after Mrs. Awolowo by the Ogun State Government, was cleared for the President’s helicopter to land.

    On arrival President Buhari met with the Awolowo clan to pay his condolences, after which he was taken by his deputy and other family members to the marble tomb of the late Chief Awolowo into which his wife’s casket had already been lowered, to pay his last respects.  The President’s arrival elicited the shouts of “Sai Baba”, “Sai Buhari,” the slogan used to drum up support for him during the last presidential campaign. It was an opportunity for many to come near and exchange pleasantries with him. Evangelist Ebenezer Obey and his band also welcomed the President with special lyrics.

    Addressing Awo’s family, his friends, associates and prominent Nigerians in the family house, Buhari said he had to delay his departure for Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) so that he could be part of the ceremony marking the last rites for Mrs. Awolowo, noting that the deceased deserve the attention she got at home and from abroad.

    Buhari recalled how the late Mrs. Awolowo effectively took care of the home front while her husband was busy around the country and throughout the world. He praised her family and urged them to stick together as they have over the years.

    He said: “Let me appreciate those who have come to participate in this ceremony. When I was in the car, I discussed with the governor of Ogun State that the late Mrs. Awolowo deserved all that the nation is doing for her. While Chief Obafemi Awolowo was all over the country and the world, she was effectively managing the family, so she has earned this. May her soul rest in perfect peace, (amen).

    “And for you the family that has for weeks been receiving friends, associates and facing all the logistics problems day and night, I congratulate you for a very successful burial. I came back yesterday evening from Iran and I had to make sure I do not miss the last rites for Mrs Awolowo because she earned it. This is my third time here and I hope the family will try and continue to remain united.”

     

    Osinbajo/APC factor

     

    Observers say Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s relationship with the Awolowo family facilitated the role played by the Federal Government at the funeral. Osinbajo is married to Dolapo, the grand-daughter of the deceased. When he was asked to address the audience during the church service, the Vice President declined, saying he was at the occasion as a child of the late Mrs. Awolowo; not in his capacity as Vice President. Rather, he requested that the representative of the President, Senator Bukola Saraki, should speak.

    The ministers present at the event included Rotimi Amaechi (Transport); Mrs Kemi Adeosun (Finance); Adebayo Shittu (Communications); Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Information and Culture); Dr Kayode Fayemi (Solid Minerals); Mr. Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works an Housing); Professor Isaac Adewole (Health); Amina Muhammed (Environment); Abubakar Buhari (Solid Minerals-State); Dan Ali (Defence); Dr Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology) and Chief Audu Ogbeh (Agriculture).

    The burial compelled the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to postpone the meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC). The National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,  explained that the decision to shelve the meeting to discuss the choice of a substitute candidate for the Kogi supplementary governorship election was to enable the leadership of the party in the Southwest attend the funeral.

    The APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, led the party’s chieftains in the Southwest. They included Senators Olabiyi Durojaiye, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Anthony Adefuye, Oluremi Tinubu, Monsurat Sunmonu, and Lanre Tejuoso, as well as Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Niyi Adebayo and Chief Segun Oni.

    The state chief executives who added colour to the memorable event are: Ibikunle Amosun  and his wife, Funso (Ogun); Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence (Oyo); Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat (Osun); Olusegun Mimiko and his wife, Kemi (Ondo); Ben Ayade (Cross River); Adams Oshiomhole and his wife, Lara (Edo); Rochas Okorocha (Imo);  Abdul-Azees Yari  (Zamfara); Mohammed Jibrila (Adamawa); Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa); Nasiru El-Rufai (Kaduna); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Kashim Shettima (Borno).

    Captains of industry were not left out. Those who graced the occasion include: President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Oba Otudeko; Tunde Ayeni; and Otunba Subomi Balogun.

    Other eminent personalities present were: former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Bola; Gen. Oladipo Diya; Chief Ernest Shonekan; Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki. Others are: Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), Chief Supo Sonibare, Dr Fredrick Fasehun, Prof. T.O. Ogunlesi and Chief Michael Ayodele.

     

    Church service

     

    The church service started with the procession from Awo’s home to church. HID’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren joined by a horde of well-wishers accompanied the casket to Our Saviour Anglican Church, Ikenne, venue of the funeral service. They were later joined mid-way by some dignitaries, including Governors Rochas Okorocha and Aminu Tambuwal.

    The church was not spacious enough to contain all guests.  Many dignitaries who could not have space within the church, watched the programme on circuit TV positioned within the church premises. The casket arrived church by 10am and the programme took off by 10.15 am.

    The church service was conducted by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigerian Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, along with other 36 bishops. In his sermon, Okoh extolled Mrs. Awolowo’s virtues, describing her as a great wife who stood by her husband throughout his sojourn on earth. Okoh extolled the virtues of the late HID as a committed Christian, whom he said fought the good fight of faith and finished victoriously. He said Mama was a supportive and good wife which informed why her husband, the late Chief Awolowo described her glowingly as his “jewel of inestimable value.”

     

    Reception

     

    The guests were treated to a modest reception. Food and drinks were sumptuous. Governor Amosun expressed delight at the presence of President Buhari in Ikenne, saying it was an honour not only to the late matriarch, her family and womenfolk, but to the whole of the Yoruba race and the nation.

    Speaking on behalf of the Awolowo family, the eldest surviving child, Mrs Omotola Oyediran said: “Judging by the life that Mama led, little did we know that she was so loved by all Nigerians and you all have demonstrated it this afternoon. So, we warmly welcome you into our midst.” While thanking President Buhari and the governors who took part in the burial activities, she stated: “You have been extremely wonderful to this family.”

    In her vote of thanks, another daughter, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, disclosed that Mrs. Awolowo had in the last 20 years discussed her funeral, telling members of her family that it was not an affair for the family alone, but the whole world. She said the way the final rites had gone were beyond the imagination of the deceased family.

     

  • Jurists, others bid SAN’s mum farewell

    Jurists, others bid SAN’s mum farewell

    Eminent jurists threw their weight behind their colleague Sylva Ogwemoh (SAN), who lost his mother, aged 90. JOSEPH JIBUEZE reports.

    It is not usual for members of the Bar and Bench to converge on a town where no law event is holding. Something special must be happening.

    That was the situation last weekend when they gathered in their numbers at Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.

    They joined family, friends and well-wishers for the burial of Mrs Felicia Ebodeamhe Ogwemoh, mother of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Principal Partner of Marine Partners, a law firm, Mr Sylva Ogwemoh, whose wife Priscilla is the Managing Partner at the firm of Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL).

    Notable legal personalities at the event included former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu; Justice Tom Yakubu of the Court of Appeal; Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division and Supreme Court justice, Walter Onnoghen, represented by his wife, Nkoyo.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chike Onyemenam was also present, as well as Lagos Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Martin Ogunleye, who led other officers, including Phillip Njeteneh and Celestine Nwakwo, among others, to the event.

    Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa sent a condolence message to the Ogwemohs on the state judiciary’s behalf.

    He wrote: “While praying the Almighty God to give you and the entire members of your family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, we are consoled by the fact that she lived a good life and left worthy legacies.”

    Edo State Attorney-General Henry Idahagbon said although the late Ogwemoh died at 90, losing a loved one always causes pain to those left behind.

    “If orders of injunction could restrain the cold hands of death, I am sure you would have sought and obtained an injunction of perpetuity to stop your beloved mother from being taken away by death.

    “Be assured that Mama is not dead. She lives on in our hearts, for to live in the hearts of those you love is not to die,” he wrote.

    Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) also expressed his “heartfelt condolence” to the family.

    He prayed God to grant Ogwemoh and his family the fortitude to bear the loss and to fill their hearts with peace.

    Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) urged the family to be strong. He wrote: “In this period of anguish, I charge you to take succor in God’s unfailing love and grace, which are able to heal and strengthen you at this time of sorrow.”

    Another SAN, Chief Kelvin Nwufo, said he received the news with sadness but was consoled by the fact the late Ogwemoh “rests in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ as she lived a good Christian life.”

    Last Friday, a vigil mass was held at the Ogwemoh Family Compound, Otoukwe Quarters. It was followed by the funeral the next day.

    At exactly 10:25am last Saturday, the deceased’s remains, in a gleaming white casket, were rolled into the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, venue of the funeral mass.

    The large church auditorium was filled to capacity. Outside, an array of cars bore witness to the large number of dignitaries and well-wishers who came to pay their respects.

    The Bishop of Auchi, Dr Gabriel Dunia, officiated the event along with 21 other ministers. He told newsmen after the funeral mass that the late Ogwemoh’s life was worthy of emulation.

    “She lived an exemplary life,” said the cleric. “She brought her children up well and lived a fulfilled Christian life till the end. She was a humble woman, caring and loving.

    “She loved God and her neighbours with a difference. We thank God for her. May we continue to emulate this kind of good life.”

    In a moving sermon, Rev. Alfred Ebalu of the St. Anthony of Padua, Iraokhor, said although the thought of death could be scary, it was inevitable.

    “Some go to bed early. Some go to bed late, but all of us must go to bed. The question is: how prepared are we?” he asked.

    According to him, death is an essential condition of life that must come when it will. “The death of every loved one is a painful experience,” he said.

    Ebalu said the late Ogwemoh’s life was worthy of being celebrated. Describing her as an “impeccable person”, he urged the family to sustain the peace among them.

    The cleric urged the family to emulate their late mother who he said gave her all – including time and affection – for them and everyone who came in contact with her.

    “In death, life is transformed but not ended. This world is not our home. We’re just passing. As Christians we’re supposed to live everyday as if it were our last,” he said.

    After the mass, the coffin was driven in a white Escalade hearse to the Ogwemoh family compound for the interment.

    Along the way, pall bearers, from the Leading Light Funeral Concept, dressed in their all-white Agbada made of brocade material with gold-coloured caps to match, placed the casket on their shoulders as they marched and danced.

    Three gun salutes went off as the body arrived the family home. At exactly 12.50pm, the body was lowered to the grave on a bright, sunny day.

    It was carnival-like scenes at the Ogbake Primary School, where guests were entertained. Two live bands – Mayor Bolivia Contance and Six Brothers – took turns to thrill the large gathering.

    The deceased’s son Anthony recalled how mama cared for him when he was once hospitalised.

    “At bed time in the hospital, all the visitors will be asked to vacate the ward, but mama would sneak under my bed to avoid being driven out. What a watchful mummy on duty,” he said.

    He also recalled how she would cook fish and corn soup, pack them in cans and send to him at his workplace; and how she would always see him off with fried fishlings, fish eggs and dried and salted fish whenever he visited.

    Sylva, the Senior Advocate, also has so many fond memories of his mother, especially how she augmented his father’s meagre income as a teacher, how she cared for the children when they had even the slightest headache, and how she extended her generosity to all around her.

    “She was a woman of impeccable character,” said Ogwemoh. “She was extremely generous, a kind mother. There’s no doubt that I will miss her so much.

    “I have so many fond memories of her, especially her care and love for her children. You may say that’s applicable to every mother, but hers was second to none. She was really special to us.”

    His wife Priscilla recalled that her caring late mother-in-law could not bear to see people in pain.

    “I remember the pain in her eyes whenever any of my children took ill and she was visiting, to the extent that she always shed tears at such moments.

    “Besides her generosity, kindness, care and compassion for those around her, I will always remember her as someone with a good heart and a great capacity for tolerance and perseverance,” she said.

    Another son, Paul, a banker, said although his late mother had no formal education, she worked tireless and supported his late father, who died 24 years ago, to ensure they were all educated.

    His wife Angela recalled how the late Ogwemoh asked her how much was bride price in her place so she could quickly be married into the family.

    “She said she wanted the matter to be closed on time. She hurried my husband into the process. The day we got married, Mama bought so many things, big-sized yams and a lot of fish, so many things.

    “She named me Ebikie (my beloved) after I got married. She was always happy to have me around. I remember once when I was about to return to Lagos after a holiday. She sent someone to buy fish, but the fish was small to her. She beat the table and said ‘goddammit’. We all laughed.

    “She was a wonderful person. She loved me. That’s why it pains me that she’s left us, because we won’t have minded having her forever. But the will of God has to happen.”

     

  • Farewell to a disciplinarian

    Farewell to a disciplinarian

     The remains of late Pa Adeshina Adegboyega, a retired manager of the former Barclays Bank DCO  (now Union Bank Plc),were interred at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos,last Friday after a funeral service at Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Mafoluku-Oja, Oshodi, Lagos.OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    We were contemplating daddy’s 80th birthday, he said he did not want his 80th birthday celebrated but 82nd; apparently he was deceiving us, he knew he was going to die. Daddy died seven days to his 80th birthday during an illness”.

    Those were the words of the first child of a retired manager of Union Bank Plc, Gabriel Adeshina Adegboyega, Mr Tunji Adegboyega, the Deputy Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation newspaper when his father was interred at Atan Cemetry in Yaba, Lagos, after a funeral service at Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Mafoluku-Oja, Lagos, last Saturday.

    The late Adegboyega was also a Special Apostle in Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ilasamaja – Mushin, Lagos.

    His son, Mr Adegboyega went on; “In April, daddy came to my house, for the first time in about six years (although we were going to his house and also talking with him on phone). He said God told him to come and pray for me. The sickness that led to his death was the second time in his 80 years. I thought he was going to survive, but when the doctor told me it was 50/50, I knew my father was going to die.

    “Daddy was a strong man, honest and highly diligent. He believed so much in transparency, discipline and accountability; his death is a painful and great loss to us all,” he said.

    The funeral rites began last Thursday with service of songs at his residence, 31, Makinde Street, Mafoluku-Oja and wake last Friday at Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Mafoluku-Oja, Lagos.

    It was all a gathering of family members, friends and colleagues  to celebrate the life of the great disciplinarian.

    The wife of the deceased, Mrs Bola Adegboyega, was comforted by family members. She wore blue native attire with navy blue headgear while the children and grand children of the deceased were on uniformed turquoise native with gold headgear or caps at the funeral service. Guests wore choice native attires. They sat under tents, on chairs set around tables with gold overlays.

    In a sermon, Most Senior Apostle Shadrack Dansu described the deceased as a honest and tolerant person whom he had known for over 30 years. He advised the children to follow the footsteps of their father.

    The cleric who said the deceased lived to serve others, called on the political leaders to give selfless service,  forget  party, religious or ethnic affiliations and promote unity.

    He noted that Nigeria has some of the best mineral resources, and therefore called on the leaders to manage the resources for the good of all.

    “Corruption is what has killed Nigeria; our bad politicians have turned Nigeria to where we are today and there must be a change in this new administration,” he said.

    After the service, some family members and clerics moved to Atan Cemetery where the late Adegboyega was buried.

    At the grave side, Senior Apostle Olusesi Sowande told the gathering that what would be said of them at death is  the ultimate, noting that contentment and service to God should be their ultimate goal.

    He added that noting is crucial at death, advising the gathering to rely on God and change their ways because they will go back to the grave with nothing.

    He urged the children of the deceased to learn from the good life their father lived.

    The white casket which contained the late Adegboyega’s remains was lowered into the grave around 1:13 pm; his wife covered her face with the programme of the event as she cried and wiped her tears with handkerchief. She and the children performed the dust-to-dust rite.

    The ceremony continued at the same venue  with a reception, where guests wined and dined even as they spoke glowingly about the life of the deceased. Sunny Lekins and his live band was on the band stand dishing out music to guests’ delight.

    The widow said she would  never forget her husband, describing his death as a painful loss. She said he lived a good life, had a good heart and left a good legacy for others to emulate.

    The deceased’s first daughter, a retired Chief Nursing Officer in Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Ayoade Ogundele, said her father was wonderful, loving and a disciplinarian. She thanked God for the discipline he bestowed on her, saying it has helped her in life.

    “Daddy trained us in the way of the Lord, he was a lover of education and ensured that all his children are trained,” she said.

    The younger brother to the deceased, Managing Director, C.S.S. Bookshops  Limited, Mr Dotun Adegboyega, said his brother was a man of integrity; he was straight forward, honest, kind-hearted and always called a spade a spade.

    Another son, Emmanuel Adegboyega, described his father as great, honourable and a disciplinarian, adding that he was a man of integrity who would not take nonsense from anybody.

    “Daddy gave us no chance to misbehave and he would always correct us whenever we did something wrong. He was a good shepherd, a devout Christian; I will follow his foot prints because he invested so much in my life,” he said.

    Most Senior Apostle David Showunmi described him as a brother who answered whenever he was called on and was always interested in solving the problems of others.

    Most Senior Apostle Julius Ogungbemi described the deceased as a good man who lived a good life. He urged others to emulate the life of the deceased, saying the deceased left a whole lot of legacy behind for others to follow.

    Dignitaries at the occasion included former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Managing Director of The Nation Newspaper, Mr Victor Ifijeh; Executive Director (Finance and Administration) Mr Ade Odunewu; Chairman, Editorial Board, Mr Sam Omatseye; General Editor, Mr Adekunle Ade-Adeleye; General Manager, Corporate Services, Mr Soji Omotunde; Editorial Page Editor, Mr Sanya Oni; editorial board members Olakunle Abimbola, Femi Macaulay and his wife; Mr Steve Osuji; Mr Segun Ayobolu, Editor-at-Large and Mr Waheed Odusile, President, Nigeria Union of Journalists.

    Also in attendance were: Asiwaju of Awori Land, Senator Ayo Otegbola; Chairman, CSS Bookshops Ltd/Bookshop House Ltd, Ven Segun Agbetuyi; former Chairman of Spring Bank and Ogboye of Oke Ona, Chief Eddy Amosu; Omogbadero of Owu, Prince Laja Omofade; Director, Sterling Publishers PVT, India Vikas Ghai; Archbishop, Ibadan Province of The African Church, J.O.O Abbe; ThisDay Deputy Managing Director Kayode Komolafe as well as Olumuyiwa Aduroja, SAN, also graced the occasion.

    Others included The Nation Admin. and Personnel Manager Mrs Folake Adeoye and her husband; Executive Secretary, Newspaper Proprietors Association of  Nigeria, Mr Feyi Smith; barristers Gabriel Amalu, Paschal Madu as well as members of Ivory League and their wives.

    The late Special Apostle Adegboyega is survived by: Most Mother-in-Israel Bolatito Adegboyega (wife), Mr Tunji Adegboyega, Mrs Ayoade Ogundele, Mrs Mubo Ebohon, Mr Seun Adegboyega, Mr Tunde Adegboyega, Mr Tobi Adegboyega and Miss Yemisi Adegboyega.

  • Exciting final farewell to Baba Lokoja

    Exciting final farewell to Baba Lokoja

    The funeral of Deacon Daniel Adejo Akor was like a political rally because of the huge crowd it attracted.

    A patron of the Idoma Development Association and Igala Development Association,  members of both organisations as well as those of United Evangelical Church (UEC),  where he was an Elder, attended the event.

    Also present were members of the Nigerian Legion in Kogi State as well as staff of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Lokoja. They came in large numbers to honour the man they fondly called ‘Baba Lokoja ‘.

    The last journey of  the late Akor began from the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja to his hometown Ofante Olamaboro.

    Though the town is remote  with a rough road to travel, guests and well-wishers were not deterred from paying their last respects.

    They came from far and wide – Lokoja, Lagos, Ikom in Cross River State, Nasarawa State, Federal Capital, and the neigbouring Benue State, among others. Also, colleagues of his son David Adejo  came from The Nation. His friends also came from London, where he lived for years before joining this newspaper.

    The weather was friendly during the ceremony despite the rainy season.

    • The late Deacon Akor’s son-in-law, Pastor Onoja; his two daughters Bathsheba Akor-Onoja and Christiana Ogbame.
    • The late Deacon Akor’s son-in-law, Pastor Onoja; his two daughters Bathsheba Akor-Onoja and Christiana Ogbame.

    Caretaker Chairman, Olamaboro Local Government, Dr. Simon Onuche described the late Akor as a man of integrity, who loved people, both old and young.

    Onuche, who chaired the event, said: “He was my late father’s friend. Baba Daniel Akor loved and created good relationship wherever he was. He welcomed us to his house and would not discriminate against anyone. That was why even when he was from Idoma land, he asked his family to bury him here where he was born. I think that would further strengthen our relationship with the family.’’

    Chairman, United Evangelical Church in Gadumo, Lokoja, Elder Peter Atabo, said: “The life Deacon Daniel Akor lived created a strong appeal for the young, the old and all Christians. Baba lived a committed, humble and dedicated life. He loved the young and the elderly; everybody that came in contact with him commented on his godly life and good relationship with people. We will miss Deacon Akor very much if not for anything but for his intelligence and ability to recite memory verses of the bible up to one hundred at a time.’’

    The children of the deceased were not left out of the praises for their father. His first son  James described him as “a man who loved and feared God; a crusader among men and the brethren”.

    David said: “My father was my friend and my role model. He made me what I am today. He asked me to respect men, and to love and fear God. ‘Dan’ as I usually called, him was a brave and God-fearing man, who never compromised his faith. If there is another world to come, I will like to be his son again.”

    One of the late Akor’s best friends, Moses Oguche, who  was the last to speak with him before he died, described the late deacon as “a brave soldier, a great hunter and a committed Christian.”

    Also at the funeral were the Idoma Youth Cultural Group, a popular Disc Jockey (DJ) who thrilled the crowd. There were folk tales and recitation of bible verses.

    Pastor of Otukpo branch of the Dunamis Gospel International Church, Sunday Onoja, called the late Akor a great man.

    “He accommodated everyone that came to him. He was an extra-generous person. Before I married his daughter 23 years ago, I had known him.

    “Since I became his son in-law. I never had any misunderstanding with him or his daughter. Pa Akor was a disciplinarian and a true Christian until he passed on peacefully in his sleep,” Onoja said.

    The burial rites were later moved to Adupi-Orokam Ogbadibo in Benue State, where the late Akor hailed from.

  • Farewell to a loving father

    Farewell to a loving father

    The remains of a former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) General Manager, Edward Adeyemi, an engineer, have been interred in Otan, Osun State. DELE ANOFI reports

    It was more like a celebration of life of the late Edward Adegbite Alade Adeyemi, an engineer,   considering the befitting final passage rites penultimate Friday in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

    He died on July 19.

    Families, friends, associates and well wishers of the former General Manager (Shiroro Transmission region) at the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) turned out in large numbers.

    The sleepy town was agog with guests from all parts of the country who came to bid farewell to the late engineer.

    The officiating Minister at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Rev Father Stephen Ilesanmi, said the kindness  of the late prince of Otan-Ayegbaju drew the crowd that besieged the town that day.

    After the church service, the interment of the 61-year-old engineer, who retired in July 2014, was sorrowful.

    The widow, Mrs Cecilia Omoronike, tried without success to be strong. She  sobbed quietly.

    Her children, Adedayo, Fadekemi (Obasanya), Adefunke (Ashamu) and Adeyinka, however, took solace in the fact that their father died a fulfilled man.

  • Navy bids 19-man Chinese trainers farewell

    Navy bids 19-man Chinese trainers farewell

    After four months of tutoring Navy personnel on the operation and maintenance of a man-of-war, NNS SAGBAMA  donated by China, a 19-man Chinese team at the weekend returned to their country.

    They arrived in Nigeria in May when one of the two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) (NNS CENTENARY and NNS PROSPERITY) purchased from China was delivered .

    The team brought NNS SAGBAMA, which was built for the Navy as China’s complimentary effort towards the Navy’s fleet renewal.

    Praising them for a job well done, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Jonathan Ango said the boat would assist in the fight against maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

    He lauded them for their patience and commitment in putting the Nigerian crew through the rigours and mastery of the boat’s functions, noting that NNS SAGBAMA was a new class of vessel.

    He saidaside teaching the boat’s crew how to use it, the Navy also learnt how to effectively carry out maintenance of the vessel, as at when due.

    China’s Consul General  Li Young expressed hope that there would be more military exchanges between both countries.

    He praised the team for overcoming home sickness in order to contribute their quota to the strategic Nigeria-China relations, noting that most of them were in Africa for the first time.

    “For the Chinese training team, you have overcome all kinds of difficulties, especially homesickness, and successfully your mission.

    “All of you have stamped your own footprints in the history of China-Nigeria military cooperation.

    “With steady and rapid development of China-Nigeria strategic partnership, I am fully convinced that more frequent military exchanges and closer cooperation between our two countries would be expected,” he said.

  • Graduands bid Dansol farewell

    With 10 awards in his kitty, Ochulo Onyebueze Ochulo stood tall among the 106 graduands that made up the 19th set graduated by Dansol High School, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

    The 16-year-old won prizes for being the overall best graduand, as well as topping subjects such as Physics, Economics, and Geography. He also won the best class captain award for SS3 as well as Mr Excellence award. For the amiable, easy-going teenager, the secret of his success was the motivation he got from loved ones and close friends.

    “We thank God for the prizes.  What motivated me was the counsel from my parents, my intimate friends who believed in me and who told me that I could do great things; my family members, my teachers, they are really wonderful,” he said.

    Ochulo described his time at Dansol as “character forming” and “destiny shaping”, and said he would miss his friends and teachers who made his secondary education worthwhile. Ochulo hopes to get scholarship to study Chemical Engineering in a foreign university.

    Founder of the school, Mrs Adun Akinyemiju, is confident that Ochulo and the other 105 graduands would excel in the university because of the solid foundation she said they received.

    “When they are out in the university, they can face any rigour, any situation because they have been taught to study and stand firm in God.  It is a combination of the two.  The quality is sound; they are taught; we don’t skip anything, we are thorough.  They have learnt how to study, so they can be on their own; wherever they are,” she said.

    The Principal, Mr Esan Oladapo charged the graduands to showcase all they had learnt.

    “They have been prepared in the last six years on the challenges ahead of them outside the four corners of the classroom in the secondary school academically, morally, spiritually, and behaviourally.  And we are confident today as we are sending them out that they would go out there to make positive influences on their generation to the glory of God,” he said.

    Chairman of the occasion, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, who described himself as a certified member of the Dansol Family, because all five of his children passed through the school, congratulated the school, graduands and their parents for their good fortune.  His counsel to the graduands, was for them to put God first.

    “You must put the Almighty God as your cornerstone. With God ordering your steps, you won’t fall or falter.  The Almighty God will bless you and your way would be blessed,” he said.

    The event featured a lot of dancing, exhortation by guest minister, Bishop Aniete Etukudo, prayers, presentation of prizes to the graduands, special awards to dedicated parents, among others.

  • Farewell to a disciplinarian

    Farewell to a disciplinarian

    An outing and thanksgiving service was held last Saturday for the late Prince Michael Aderibigbe Adesanya at The Apostolic Church, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos.

    The late Adesanya died on May 8.  He was 73.

    His children accorded him a befitting burial in Ijebu-Mushin, Ogun State where his remains were interred on July 10.

    Last Saturday in Lagos, the children extolled their father’s virtues, gathering many of their friends and associates to celebrate the life of a man they described as a disciplinarian.

    The compact church comprised many top military brass both serving and retired. They were led by former Chief of Army Staff Lt -Gen Azubike Ihejirika. Others were directors and coordinators of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from across the country.

    The service was officiated by the Ikosi District Pastor of the church, Elijah Famurewa

    In a tribute, the widow, Adenike, recalled how they began their journey in December 1971, chronicling their ups and downs.

    First daughter of the deceased and wife to the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, Adejoke, said as a child, she thought her father did not love them, but as she grew older, she realised it was his way of ensuring that his children did not go astray.

    A son of the deceased, Adejuwon, said though his father’s body was full of activity and strength, his soul was gentle, endearing him to many.

  • Farewell to a loving mother

    Farewell to a loving mother

    The remains of Mrs Olufunke Adeoya, mother of the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Mix and Co, Akin Adeoya, were interred at the Apostolic Faith Cemetery, Igbesa, Ogun State, after a funeral service at the church camp ground, reports IBRAHIM ADAM.

    Even in death, she was celebrated. For Three days, her children gave her a befitting burial.  They described her as a mother, who lived all her life for them and God.

    The late Mrs Olufunke Adeoya was a nurse and midwife at the Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa. She also worked at the General Hospital, Ido Ekiti and Randle General Hospital in Surulere.

    She died on April 10. She was 77.

    Her rites of passage began with a service of songs at Times Square off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. A funeral service was held at the Apostolic Faith Campground, Igbesa in Ogun State.

    Family members, sympathisers, and friends came in their numbers to bid the late Mrs Adeoya farewell.

    The children of the deceased clad in lemon native attire.

    Her remains were laid in a grey casket with gold cross and her pictures around it. The casket was conveyed in a white Volvo hearse.

    The service began with a processional hymn, ‘O beula land’ led by the congregation and the Orchestra. The church choir later rendered the hymn, ‘When I wake up’.

    After the scripture reading from book of Job 14: 1-12, a sermon followed by Rev Tayo Oyelaja, who spoke on the topic: “Is your name written in the book of life”.

    Rev Oyelaja said the late Adeoya spent her life with Christ and has gone to meet the Lord.

    He asked the congregation where they wish to spend their eternity, urging them to live a good life, confess their sins and make it right with God.

    Rev. Sola Opaleye prayed for the deceased, the widower, her children, grandchildren and other guests before the deceased remains were interred at the church cemetery.

    The following day, a funeral reception was held at the Time Square, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. Guests arrived in exotic cars. The ambiance of the hall was conducive as guests moved round to exchange pleasantries and take pictures.

    A bevy of beautiful ladies welcomed guests and led them to reserved seats.

    Most guests clad in the mixed purple aso ebi while others wore choice native attires.

    The hall was tastefully decorated in purple, pink and white matching with chairs set round tables. There were flower vases at strategic location.

    Celebrities including, Clarion Chukwura, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Davies, and Dele Taiwo, among others, added colour to the event. Theatre and advertising practitioners and media professionals also stood to be counted.

    National President, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ambrose Somide, anchored the event and entertained guests with rib-cracking jokes.

    Sir Shina Peters and Taiwo Omotunde led their bands to electrify the hall. Their music ushered the children and guests to the dance floor in celebration of a life well spent.

    The deceased’s younger brother, Mr Femi Fayemi, described his sister as his mother, friend and benefactor.

    He urged the children of the deceased to emulate what their mother stood for and unite themselves.

    He said: “She is my elder sister and I call her my mother. She was a wonderful friend to all and a core Christian. She wais my benefactor because I lost my dad when I was a small boy and she had to see me through school. She was prayerful, a loving mother and exceptionally generous. We will miss her a lot because I remember she gave me a Bible and I am using it presently not knowing that she gave me a parting gift.’’

    He recalled her words: “She said Femi take this Bible in Yoruba and English translation; make sure you read it always.’’

    The first child of the deceased, Mrs Adenike Abiona, said her mother was disciplined and served God all her life.

    “She was trustworthy, kept no malice and if there was any issue, she would call you and settle it. She prayed for all; if you pray and sleep at 12 midnight, when you wake at 3am, you will meet her praying again. She believed in prayer and that with God all things are possible. She taught us how to be decent and have faith, she was a lovely mother,” she said.

    The deceased son and President, Babatunde Femi Owolabi Memorial Heart Foundation, Mr Tope Owolabi, said his mother brought them up in a Godly manner.

    “She was a wonderful mother; she was like a hen than protects her chicks. She was supportive and gave us morals and I will miss her prayer,” he said.

    A daughter in-law, Mrs Florence said her mother-in-law was religious, prayerful, loving and caring. “If you don’t call her, she would call and say, I just want to hear your voice. She was just wonderful,” she said.

    A granddaughter, Morolake Abiona, described the deceased as caring and nice.

    “I don’t know where to start from because we will miss her so much. She was so nice, more caring compared to my mum because when we are on holiday, we go to her and it was always interesting. She taught us the ways of God, how to read the Bible and pray,’’ she said.

    Mr Akin Adeoya in his tribute said his late mother never took credit for her efforts to effect change.

    He said it was a duty that she dared not fail after she knew ‘the stone in my heart was gradually becoming a diamond’.

  • Farewell to a loving mother

    Farewell to a loving mother

    The remains of Mrs Olufunke Adeoya, mother of the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Mix and Co, Akin Adeoya, were interred at the Apostolic Faith Cemetery, Igbesa, Ogun State, after a funeral service at the church camp ground, reports IBRAHIM ADAM.

    Even in death, she was celebrated. For Three days, her children gave her a befitting burial.  They described her as a mother, who lived all her life for them and God.

    The late Mrs Olufunke Adeoya was a nurse and midwife at the Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa. She also worked at the General Hospital, Ido Ekiti and Randle General Hospital in Surulere.

    She died on April 10. She was 77.

    Her rites of passage began with a service of songs at Times Square off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. A funeral service was held at the Apostolic Faith Campground, Igbesa in Ogun State.

    Family members, sympathisers, and friends came in their numbers to bid the late Mrs Adeoya farewell.

    The children of the deceased clad in lemon native attire.

    Her remains were laid in a grey casket with gold cross and her pictures around it. The casket was conveyed in a white Volvo hearse.

    The service began with a processional hymn, ‘O beula land’ led by the congregation and the Orchestra. The church choir later rendered the hymn, ‘When I wake up’.

    After the scripture reading from book of Job 14: 1-12, a sermon followed by Rev Tayo Oyelaja, who spoke on the topic: “Is your name written in the book of life”.

    Rev Oyelaja said the late Adeoya spent her life with Christ and has gone to meet the Lord.

    He asked the congregation where they wish to spend their eternity, urging them to live a good life, confess their sins and make it right with God.

    Rev. Sola Opaleye prayed for the deceased, the widower, her children, grandchildren and other guests before the deceased remains were interred at the church cemetery.

    The following day, a funeral reception was held at the Time Square, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. Guests arrived in exotic cars. The ambiance of the hall was conducive as guests moved round to exchange pleasantries and take pictures.

    A bevy of beautiful ladies welcomed guests and led them to reserved seats.

    Most guests clad in the mixed purple aso ebi while others wore choice native attires.

    The hall was tastefully decorated in purple, pink and white matching with chairs set round tables. There were flower vases at strategic location.

    Celebrities including, Clarion Chukwura, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Davies, and Dele Taiwo, among others, added colour to the event. Theatre and advertising practitioners and media professionals also stood to be counted.

    National President, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ambrose Somide, anchored the event and entertained guests with rib-cracking jokes.

    Sir Shina Peters and Taiwo Omotunde led their bands to electrify the hall. Their music ushered the children and guests to the dance floor in celebration of a life well spent.

    The deceased’s younger brother, Mr Femi Fayemi, described his sister as his mother, friend and benefactor.

    He urged the children of the deceased to emulate what their mother stood for and unite themselves.

    He said: “She is my elder sister and I call her my mother. She was a wonderful friend to all and a core Christian. She wais my benefactor because I lost my dad when I was a small boy and she had to see me through school. She was prayerful, a loving mother and exceptionally generous. We will miss her a lot because I remember she gave me a Bible and I am using it presently not knowing that she gave me a parting gift.’’

    He recalled her words: “She said Femi take this Bible in Yoruba and English translation; make sure you read it always.’’

    The first child of the deceased, Mrs Adenike Abiona, said her mother was disciplined and served God all her life.

    “She was trustworthy, kept no malice and if there was any issue, she would call you and settle it. She prayed for all; if you pray and sleep at 12 midnight, when you wake at 3am, you will meet her praying again. She believed in prayer and that with God all things are possible. She taught us how to be decent and have faith, she was a lovely mother,” she said.

    The deceased son and President, Babatunde Femi Owolabi Memorial Heart Foundation, Mr Tope Owolabi, said his mother brought them up in a Godly manner.

    “She was a wonderful mother; she was like a hen than protects her chicks. She was supportive and gave us morals and I will miss her prayer,” he said.

    A daughter in-law, Mrs Florence said her mother-in-law was religious, prayerful, loving and caring. “If you don’t call her, she would call and say, I just want to hear your voice. She was just wonderful,” she said.

    A granddaughter, Morolake Abiona, described the deceased as caring and nice.

    “I don’t know where to start from because we will miss her so much. She was so nice, more caring compared to my mum because when we are on holiday, we go to her and it was always interesting. She taught us the ways of God, how to read the Bible and pray,’’ she said.

    Mr Akin Adeoya in his tribute said his late mother never took credit for her efforts to effect change.

    He said it was a duty that she dared not fail after she knew ‘the stone in my heart was gradually becoming a diamond’.