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  • Ikenne, Umuahia, Lagos are NPFL’s Matchday 10 battle grounds

    Ikenne, Umuahia, Lagos are NPFL’s Matchday 10 battle grounds

    There are many  battlegrounds  this weekend  in the Nigeria Premier Football league  but Ikenne, Umuahia and Lagos are expected to feel the intensity as Lobi, Heartland, Rivers United visit local warlords,  writes TUNDE LIADI.

    Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL)  enters Matchday 10 this weekend with second placed Remo Stars slugging it out with Lobi Stars as the most outstanding fixture while the Oriental derby between Abia Warriors and Heartland FC is another tie with intense rivalry.

    Remo Stars were pinned 1-0 in Owerri by Heartland FC last weekend but they will face Lobi Stars with Daniel Amokachi as their head coach who are 17th  on the log with nine points. The Sky Blue Stars have been knocked off the perch by Rivers United who continues to dictate the pace at the top but the Pride of Benue are eager to swim out of the relegation zone and are in dire need of a positive result.

    In Enugu, reigning champions, Rangers International FC will trade tackles with Nasarawa United. Bar the result in Ilorin last weekend, the Flying Antelopes have not been flying in recent games with just a win in the past five games and have slipped to the ninth spot with just 12 points.

    The Solid Miners on their part, laboured to a controversial 1-0 home win over Kano Pillars in Lafia to rise to the eighth spot with 12 points. Can the Flying Antelopes return to winning ways or will the Lafia side hinder Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men further?

    Read Also: AFCONQ: NFF beat CAF deadline, push for Libya’s punishment

    In Katsina, Kano Pillars will welcome Plateau United hoping to grab the maximum points for the first time in three games. Sai Masu Gida welcomed their 4-3 win in Enugu with a surprise 1-1 draw against Kwara United. They could not make hay in Lafia too losing 1-0 to Nasarawa United.

    Plateau United have been erratic in recent games losing to Bayelsa United and Abia Warriors in away games  but they have turned their home ground to their fortress and are currently fourth with 14 points from as many games.

    In Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars will face Bendel Insurance; El Kanemi Warriors entertain Katsina United while Niger Tornadoes will square up against Shooting Stars with the hope of securing their first home win of the season.

    In Umuahia, it will be another Oriental derby for Abia Warriors and Heartland FC. The home team has dominated this fixture in time past but results have improved in the last five games and Heartland will seeking another positive result in Umuahia for the second time since 2014.

    In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United will confront Enyimba knowing that anything other than a win would be suicidal. The Prosperity Boys are 18th  on the log with nine points but they are up against the People’s Elephant who are third with 17 points.

    Bayelsa United were beaten 2-1 in Lafia by Lobi Stars on Monday despite a serious resistance from them. Can they shock Enyimba?

    In Lagos, Ikorodu City will continue their learning curve with a tough fixture against league leaders, Rivers United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The Oga Boys conceded a late goal before losing 2-1 to Enyimba in Aba and after schooling Lobi Stars and Bendel Insurance, can they fancy their chances against the Pride of Rivers?

    The last fixture holds at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo between bottom of the league side, Akwa United and Kwara United. Just the previous two seasons, the Promise Keepers are flirting with the relegation zone again and with just six points from nine games, a drastic action must be taken to arrest the poor form.

    Kwara United will be tough nut to crack having gone four games unbeaten streak including away games with Kano Pillars (1-1) and El Kanemi Warriors (1-1).

  • Flying Eagles move to Ikenne ahead of WAFU B Tourney

    Flying Eagles move to Ikenne ahead of WAFU B Tourney

    Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, will move to Ikenne, Ogun State for a final camping programme ahead of their participation at this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship in Togo.

    The 2023 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists will camp at the high-grade Remo Sports Institute for a week before departing for Lome, where they tackle Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire in a three-team Group B, in their quest to defend the title they won in Niger Republic two years ago.

    Read Also: AFCONQ: Osimhen out, Awoniyi returns as Eguavoen names squad for Libya clash

    Hosts Togo will battle Ghana, Benin Republic and Niger Republic in Group A of the competition that is scheduled for 17th  – 31st  October.

    The championship in Togo serves as the qualifying tournament for next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, from where the top-placed four teams will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at next year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.

  • God’s goodness to my family, immeasurable – Mrs. Osinbajo

    Elated Pastor (Mrs.) Dolapo Osinbajo,  wife of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday testified of the goodness of God to her family, saying it is immeasurable.

    Dolapo said she was particularly grateful to God for his mercy and compassion upon the family, which she stressed, protected her husband and pulled him out from the jaw of death unscathed when he miraculously survived a helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State, last February 2.

    The Vice – President’s wife who rendered her brief testimony in a core Yoruba language during an Interdenominational Service of praise and thanksgiving in Ikenne, Ogun state, also appreciated God for the re – election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The service of praise and thanksgiving was put together by Christian community in the state in conjunction with the Vice – President to express their gratitude to God for the re -election of President Muhammadu  Buhari and Osinbajo.

    The exciting event where the septuagenarian gospel singer, Dr. Ebenezer Obey entertained guests with many soul lifting songs of praise and worship, was attended by Governor Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo) and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) who reads the bible lesson from Psalm 149.

    They were also  Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governor – elect in Ogun state, Prince Adedapo Abiodun and ex – Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Sir Kensington Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, traditional rulers, community leaders and Christian community.

    The governor – elect, Dapo Abiodun, who came in the company of his wife, described Osinbajo as a “worthy son of Remo” and “Omoluabi one of Nigeria.”

    He said the Vice – President is an embodiment of diligence, sincerity intellect, whom he always confidently call a leader.

    Read also: Buhari poorer now than in 2015, says Osinbajo 

    The successful entrepreneur, oil magnate and real estate player, reiterated what had kept him going in the journey of life despite daunting challenges is his absolute and unshakable faith in God.

    She said such faith was anchored on the message of Christ in Mark 11:23, which assured that an unwavering faith could relocate a mountain from one point to another.

    He pledged to run an equitable, just, accountable  and a transparent government which would create a public, private partnership for the benefits of Ogun state, the citizens and residents.

    In his brief sermon, the Archbishop Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Dr. Olusina Fape, said it was the mercy and compassion of God that delivered Osinbajo from death and helped him and his principal, Muhammadu Buhari to emerge victorious in the presidential election.

    Anchoring his message on Romans 9 : 15 – 16, Fape said it is God that elevates one and not necessarily the product of one’s effort, praying that God in his mercy would also protect and keep the Vice – President safe during his second tenure.

  • Why Ikenne needs prayer – Onayiga

    Ikenne in Ogun State, the country home of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, is celebrating 120 years of Christianity. A son of the town and Senior Pastor of The Ransomed Christian Centre, Pastor Tosin Onayiga, speaks with Adeola Ogunlade on the celebration, the 40 days of prayer and fasting for the town and other sundry issues.

    How did you venture into missionary work?

    When I finished my school programme at the Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, where I read English and History in 1987, I met Pastor Oguntayo of The Apostolic Church, Makoko, Lagos, the church I was attending then. He told me that God wanted me to work for Him and that I should go and pastor one of their parishes in Iwaya, Lagos, and from there I would attend the church’s Bible School in Ilesha. I refused and told him that I would rather be an interpreter in the house of God. The reason for my refusal was because I heard from some of the members of the church that many people became pastor because they were jobless, uneducated and could only find solace in pastoral work. I was not happy. I struggled with it and I refused to obey the call to serve God. Because of my disobedience, I had an affliction that is still with me till today. I was punished for refusing the offer to work for God as a full time pastor. I later went to Times Journalism Institute in 1990 and worked in a few media houses.

    When I married, I relocated to Ikorodu in 1996. God spoke to me in 2003 that for me to live a meaningful 40-year life, I should go on 40 days of prayer and fasting. I went to the Redemption Camp. I began to pray, reviewing my past life and asking God for forgiveness, especially for rejecting the offer to pastor a church in Makoko Assembly. Then, I remember the song when he calls me .….. Before the end of 40 days, God spoke to me that I will be a pastor again. Although, before the 40 days prayer ended, God has been speaking to me about coming to Ikenne, Ogun State. I had the inspiration of bringing Pastor Enoch Adeboye to Ikenne. I had spoken to Professor Yemi Osibanjo about it but the logistics of bringing Adeboye then was not there. In 2003, I was made the parish pastor of Green Pastures Parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Six years after my pastoral assignment at RCCG, God told me again to go for another 40 days of prayer and fasting. I went to my provincial pastor about what God told me about the prayer and fasting but he refused because he felt my assignment as a pastor, head of media and sport at the province would be affected. However, I started to have dreams that were terrifying. I asked some of my friends who were pastors and one of them told me that I should obey God and do his bidding. I later went to my provincial pastor that God wanted me to leave the church, and he told to put it in writing, which I did. When I left, God told me  that when Moses broke the ten commandments, he went back to spend another 40 days of fasting and prayer, then God told me because I listened to my provincial pastor, I would have to spend 120 days and that led to my journey to Ikenne.

    You left secular job that looked promising for uncertainty?

    When I left secular journalism, I left in bitterness. There was a conspiracy against me and then, I burnt the bridge, vowed never to work in any secular employment. It was difficult to survive and I had a lot of pressure from my family to go back into the mainstream media but all went to no avail. Things were not moving on fine; I was praying and fasting for almost a year. I made mistakes and l paid for them. But the zeal I now put into the ministry today is huge because I have disobeyed God in the past and I was punished for that action.

    What is so special about Ikenne?

    Ikenne is a special city with a special covenant from God. There are so many unique things about the town. Ikenne has produced more Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SANs, than any other town in Ogun State. We have had men like Obafemi Awolowo, who was minister of finance and vice chairman Federal Executive Council under Gowon government and Professor Yemi Osibanjo as vice president of Nigeria. We believe God that more and greater opportunities are coming for the people of Ikenne.  There is still more to come for Ikenne people because he has a covenant with the town. The name of the ministry is The Restoration Christian Centre; it was given to me by God to restore the wasted years of the town and by extension to other nations of the world.

    Why the celebration of 120 years of Christianity in Ikenne and the 40 days of prayer and fasting?

    I met a woman recently who set up a prayer house called Soul Mediator Mission with the late HID Awolowo and she gave me a book that chronicles the entry of Christian faith into Ikenne and I saw my grandfather’s name then and his effort in evangelising the community. The book indicates that Christianity was birthed by a missionary from Lagos who was a slave, but gave his life to Jesus and brought the gospel to Ikenne 120 years ago and I thought that we need to celebrate the entry of Christianity into the community. It is going to be a time of reflection. What Christianity has done, what did we get right and where did we get it wrong. There is still a lot of darkness and idolatry going on in this town. There is no love, instead it is rivalry. The people have ideas that would have moved the town forward, but there is no love among the people. We have two Obas in the town. I even contested for the kingship position. I lost. But what God showed me during the screening process has been part of my prayer points for the town. I organise 27 days vigil every year for the restoration of the town to God as a memorial since 2011.When a town is spiritually healthy, the city will be physically healthy.

    More worrisome is that we have no federal government presence in the area and all the federal government agency is being taken away from the area. The presence of those agencies helps to boost the economy of the town. When Mayflower  School was strong, it was a rallying point for commerce and other opportunities for the community. Awolowo had an opportunity, though he was not selfish. When he lighted Ikenne, he did that too for the western region; when he provided water for the people of Ikenne, he did the same thing in the western region. He masterminded the rubber plantation, but today the farm is being destroyed and nothing substantial is being done to sustain the legacies he left behind.  Although, currently, the remodelling of the market and construction of some roads around the vice president’s father’s house is allegedly being carried out by the vice president, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, and the Women’s Helping Hand Initiative Building, owned by Mrs. Dolapo Osibanjo, to empower young people with various skill acquisitions, is under construction. We were happy when they announced that Ikenne will be the capital city of the new Ijebu State. We are sincerely praying ad trusting God that it will be a reality because that would facilitate development in the town.

    Expectations at the event?

    This programme will bring together all the body of Christ. Christian Association of Nigeria and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria are in full support. Special features of the crusade are; Prayer visitation to 40 families in the city. Songs Festival by choirs of the participating churches and individual ministrations, Anointing Service on the last day of the fasting and prayer. AMAZING MIRACLES, which is the theme of the 40 days of prayer and fasting, can be found in Psalm 126: 3. The theme was inspired from the motto for the year 2018 of the ministry, which is found in Psalm 126: 3 “The Lord has done GREAT THINGS for us whereof we are glad”.  GREAT THINGS can also be interpreted to mean AMAZING MIRACLES.

    It is a time for God the deliverer, to capture the captors, to expose to the captured what led to his captivity, so that he or they will not walk that way again, and then make a way of escape for the captive, thereby putting laughter in his mouth, taking away his sorrow and giving him or her gladness and songs if joy to sing. This is what God has in plan for the Ikenne City.

  • HID Awolowo for burial November 25 – daughter

    HID Awolowo for burial November 25 – daughter

    The eldest daughter of the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief ( Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu, Mrs Omotola Oyediran, on Wednesday disclosed that their mother would be burried on her 100th birthday – November 25.
    Mrs Oyediran made this known in Ikenne, Ogun state, while thanking Nigerians including former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife; Dame Patience Jonathan, Afenifere, christians among others for the show affection upon the family since the death of their mother.
    “What can we say but to give God all the glory for a very beautiful life she lived. She has done so much and it is impossible for us to put all that she has done together.
    “I want to assure you that though some of you have received letters in the past about the centenary inorder to write tributes for her. I want to assure you that those tributes will be printing.
    “I want to assure Christians Association of Nigeria that we are going to give them a special time when the time comes.
    “I want to appeal to all of you to be part of celebrating mama, by the grace of God, we haven’t concluded the arrangements but I would let you know that the very day that she was supposed to be 100 years, she would be buried.
    “There will be dancing amid tears at the burial of who I call Iya niwura. There is no way you can separate papa from mama and mama from papa, the story is one. It is interesting that papa passed on Saturday, 9th of May, 1987 and mama also passed on Saturday, 19th of September, 2015, we give God all the glory, ” Mrs Oyeniran stated.

  • Who said what in Ikenne…yesterday

    Who said what in Ikenne…yesterday

    Osinbajo

    “We are in mourning and at the same time in celebration of the life of a woman who stood all her life for the unity of this nation.

    “I think that one of the great things that has been said about her was her great love for people.

    “She had a personal relationship with practically everybody, those who were her family members and those who were not.

    “Mama was always a very caring, devoted and loving mother. She was a woman with so much fortitude, such strength of character and everything that you know about her.

    “I pray that with her passage, all will be well with each and every one of us,” Osinbajo said.

    “She lived for this nation, everyday of her life, she wanted to see a great nation and I know that she had begun to see that great nation.

    “The evolution of this nation in the past years had shown that we were on the right path and would get to our deserved destination.

    “I believe that her memory would best be served by the kind of nation we would want to see – a united nation,’’

    Tinubu

    Mama HID Awolowo was a “heroine” and a “great mother” who would be “missed by Nigerians.”

    She was a “nationalist and shining example of womanhood.”

    “Just yesterday, we heard of Mama’s departure, all of us were looking forward to her centenary celebration on this earth, but the celebration was fast forwarded.

    “Human can plan but God will act, we lost a heroine of our nation, a great mother, a devout christian, a nationalist and shining example of womanhood.

    “Some of us will not forget that we drew a lot from her strength, particularly when we were growing up. Mama was a great accountant, in the days of Action Group, each and every one of would have to account for the numbers of sourvenirs, fez caps, handkerchiefs that were collected.

    “Her memory was intact and one can say her God did not desert her. Nigerians will miss a great woman, I believe it is a time to celebrate one of the icons of womanhood, her commitment to growth and development of Yorubaland and Nigeria.

    With two years apart with my mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, they followed one another, Nigerians will miss this great woman.”

    Aregbesola

    “Some people would say there are political and biological political children of Awo and Mama, but to us, we wish she had lived on and on, but death is the end of living.

    “Should we mourn her death? I had a feeling of loss, it happened ultimately, but I felt a sense of relief later because it will become a celestial re-union of the Mama and her husband, Papa Obafemi Awoliwo because they stood with each other.

    Ambode

    “We are here to celebrate a woman of honour and not to mourn in whatever capacity,”

    “Papa was born in 1909, mama died yesterday, 19-09. Papa died on a Saturday and Mama also died on a Saturday.

    “So what you see is a message that mama is trying to pass to us, we are the new generation? of progressives and that message according to the message that was told yesterday, she was actually part of the planning process for the centenary party. She had never attended any of such meetings, yesterday was the first time she attended”.

    “She’s telling us that the Yoruba ?nationhood must sit down together and celebrate that nationhood, that’s the message”.

    “I just want to plead with us that whatever vision of the progressive Yoruba race that had been envisioned by Papa Awolowo and which mama had tried in her own little way to sustain in those years she lived with us, that’s the message papa and mama are passing to us. We must all stand up because of the situation Nigeria had found herself. They stood for nationhood, both of them stood for Nigeria”.

    Ajimobi

    “A princess has died. This woman undoubtedly, is the matriarch of the Yoruba race. She epitomized commitment, womanhood and virtue. She lived an exemplary life.”

    Akande

    Chief Akande charged the children – Mrs Omotola Oyediran and Dr Tokunbo Awolowo – Dosunmu, to ensure that the attraction that makes people to always converge on the Ikenne home of the Awolowos are sustained.

    Fayemi

    “Mama was mama, unique in her own way, with an indomitable spirit. I remember when her son Oluwole died; she asked whether it was a sin to be old? I understand what she meant by that question but she lived purposeful life in full.

    “I admired her courage of conviction, resolute and focused, her memory is impeccable, gifted in very many ways and was a woman of conscience.”

    Jakande

    HID Awolowo was a wonderful and good woman. I thank God for sparing her life till the end and I advise Nigerians and family members to emulate the legacies she left behind.” Olanihun Ajayi

    “She is a will go down in history as one of the Yoruba heroine, Remo people can never forget her, she was a pillar in the Anglican Church, the children she sent to school will not forget her. She is a jewel of inestimable value.”

    Babatope

    “Mama was an exceptional and a great woman who stood by her husband in times of trials and peace, a staunch member of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) which strive for the unity and growth of Yorubaland,” Babatope said.

    Mimiko

    “For us, her death is a celebration actually, we look at her life from political circle and for any politician in Nigeria, the Awolowo family represents the depot option for good governance, for integrity and for confidence. I don’t have any doubt in my mind that Mama is with the lord. Papa would not  have achieved if he did not have Mama. We thank God for this wonderful union that taught us as politicians what it takes to be good leaders. She provided  succour during Papa’s tribulations.”

    “Anytime we met her, she was very sharp. She died the way everybody would have loved to pass on. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grand children singing praises to God”.

  • HID Awolowo: We are still in a state of shock, says daughter

    HID Awolowo: We are still in a state of shock, says daughter

    The eldest daughter of the late matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu(HID) Awolowo, Mrs Omotola Oyediran, has given more insights on her mother’s last moment before she passed away on Saturday afternoon.
    Mrs Oyediran said Mama had requested for pounded yam with vegetable soup for her breakfast which she objected to on the grounds that the 99 years old Yeye Oba of Yorubaland shouldn’t have a heavy meal for a breakfast.
    The daughter added that a light food, pap was prepared instead and served the deceased as breakfast after which she began to hold series of meeting with family members and other relatives in respect of the Centennary birthday slated for November 25.
    Mrs Oyediran spoke at the Efunyela Hall at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos while briefing the Vice – President Yemi Osinbajo, the All Progressives Congress(APC) National leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Rauf Aregbesola(Osun), his Lagos state counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode and Governor Abiola Ajumobi(Oyo).
    According to HID’s eldest daughter, at launch time, mama ate pounded yam and vegetable soup before retiring to the bed to observe her siesta. Shortly after, someone called to notify the family that Mama was having difficulty with breathing.
    Expectedly, she, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo – Dosunmu, four of her grandchildren and a representative of the great grandchildren rallied round Mama on her bed before passing on by 3:15pm.
    “We are still in shock about the death of Mama because she was full of health and beauty yesterday no wonder my father married her and also described her as my jewel of inestimable value.
    “In the morning she demanded to eat pounded yam with vegetable soup and I told Mama, you cant have a heavy meal in the morning. So, mama had pap before pounded yam (iyan) and efon(vegetable soup) and went to bed.
    “Later, somebody called us to say she was not breathing properly, two of us – Tokunbo and I were present. I told Tokunbo, you are a doctor, why don’t you do something?
    “You can’t sit watching Mama, pick your tools and begin to massage her because we were disturbed about the breathing but she couldn’t make it and died on Saturday afternoon. We will certainly miss her.
    “She pased away in the presence of three generations. Her life is big challenge to us. She kept the faith, kept the Nigerian Tribune since 27 years after the death of Papa, we are still in a state of shock.”
    Others present during the visit included APC National Publicity Secretary, Alh. Lai Mohammed, Commissioner of Police in the state, Abdulmajid Ali, Chief Bisi Akande, Pa Olanihun Ajayi, Govenor Okusegun Mimiko, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Senator Anthony Adefuye, and a delegation of the Federal Government led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

  • HID: Security beefed up in Ikenne

    HID: Security beefed up in Ikenne

    Scores of armed security operatives – soldiers, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), on Sunday morning took positions at strategic locations at Ikenne, Ogun state.
    The operatives arrived the town as early as 6:30am to provide adequate security and ensure the safety of dignitaries – eminent Nigerians, trooping into the Ikenne to condole with the family of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Hannah Idowu Dideolu, who died on Saturday afternoon.
    Within and outside the prescint of the Awolowo’s sprawling country home, over a dozen security men were seen while at the street leading to the home, many could also be sighted keeping vigil.
    The Ilishan junction entrance to the town off the Sagamu – Ore expressway was manned by military patrol van and that of the Police’s Rapid Response Squad(RRS) positioned there to secure visitors entering and leaving Ikenne through that route.
    Dignitaries who have called at the Ikenne home to condole with the Awolowo family on Sunday morning included former Governor of Lagos state and Awo’s disciple, Alh. Lateef Jakande, ex – governor of Ekiti state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Works Minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and leader of the Afenifere Renewal Group(ARG). Hon. Wale Oshun.
    Those who called on Saturday were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Acting Governor of Ogun state, Princess Yetunde Onanuga, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, ex – governor Gbenga Daniel and Secretary to the Ogun state government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa.
    Other sympathisers were the state Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Alhaji Abimbola Awofeso; APC senatorial candidate for Ogun East in the last elections, Mr. Dapo Abiodun; Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the state, Gboyega Isiaka.
    Jakande and Fayemi eulogised HID Awolowo, saying she was a leader, mother and a source of positive inspirations who would be missed by the yoruba nay Nigeria.

  • Mama died praying for us while singing for her- daughter

    Mama died praying for us while singing for her- daughter

    The Ikenne home of the Awolowo dynasty surged with heavy traffic of Nigerians who called to sympathise with the family over the death the matriarch of the family, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo on Saturday.
    Mama Awolowo, wife of the formost politician and first Premier of Old Western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died after a brief meeting with family members.
    The 99 years old Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland would have been 100 by November 25 this year as preparation had began as early as August with many prominent Nigerians, particularly in the Southwest, approached to send in their goodwill messages for collation ahead of the expected centenary celebration.
    Early callers at the Awolowo home included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Acting Governor of Ogun state, Princess Yetunde Onanuga, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, ex – governor Gbenga Daniel and Secretary to the Ogun state government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa.
    The family said the matriarch died in the company of her children and also prayed for them as they planned for her centenary birthday.
    Her first daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran said HID Awolowo spent five minutes with her family, had her routine daily chores – meetings, prayers among others, before she breathed her last by 3:5pm
    “It is with gratitude to God for her remarkable and illustrious life, the entire Awolowo family announce the glorious home calling of our dear Matriach, Yeye Oodua, Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo on Saturday afternoon.
    “Mama died as gloriously as she lived. She spent the day in the company of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
    “She shared a precious five minutes with them when she went in to pray for them as they met to plan her centennary birthday.
    ” She died a couple of hours later as she had always wished, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grand children.”
    Obasanjo said HID’s death is the passing of an Icon, a mother and matriarch of the yorubas.
    Obasanjo said: “on occasion like this, for all of us in ogun and yorubaland nay Nigeria, it is passing of an icon. Normally for us it should be a mixed feelings, mixed feelings because Mama had lived a life most of us would envy.
    “However, it doesn’t matter how long our loved ones may stay we will love they stay with us. We must thank God because mama has experienced the vicsitude of life but she died in peace.
    “When I heard, I decided to come becuse I wanted to be sure. All Iwas thinking of was the centennary birthday. Mama has been a joy to many, she is the matriarch of the yorubaland, faithful and loyal to her husband, supporter and pillar of the family.
    “She was somebody people run to for advise and counsel and they get the best from her. I pray that God will give the family the courage and wherewithal to bear the challenges of Mama’s death. Each and every one of us must learn a lesson from the good life of Mama and may her soul rest in perfect peace.”

  • Buhari mourns HID Awolowo’s death

    Buhari mourns HID Awolowo’s death

    President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the passing away of Chief (Mrs.) Dideolu Awolowo.
    In a statement by Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari extended his commiserations to the children, grand children and great grand children of the “Jewel of Inestimable Value” on the death of their famed matriarch, just a few weeks before her hundredth birthday.
    The President said Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
    He added that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will always be honoured too for the indelible legacy of very significant, behind-the-scene contributions to communal, state, regional and national development which she has left behind.
    The President prayed that God will comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.