The Nation Newspaper

Tag: mourn

  • How not to mourn our dead

    SIR: We have, rather tragically, grown so accustomed to the incessant attacks by Boko Haram in the northeast as to express a grievous indifference to it. But the trail of unbelieving carnage left by the death merchants in their recent –maybe not exactly recent –invasion of the Middle Belt region of the country apparently proves most unwelcoming in this pristine year.

    Following this, the focus of national discourse, as would be expected, has been shifted to the spate of killings in especially Benue and Taraba states, a worthy thread that offers the majority of the chattering class a chance to lambast the presidency and the Miyetti Allah squad.

    Of course, one identifies with this collective howl of rage and groan, considering the presidency’s cavalier attention towards the issue. What’s more galling is the presidency’s swift denial to declare these murderous clan terrorists. Thus one wonders if the turpitude unleashed by the death merchants upon the hapless farmers of these states cannot be termed as terrorism, then just what is perceived as terror; the protests of a pro-independence group against alleged marginalisation?

    Yet most atrocious of its sins is the government’s attempt at trivialising death.  As always, the government would choose to blame everybody but itself for this disaster. It would have us believe that the number of casualties from the killings as recorded in this administration pales in comparison to that recorded in the former administration. Here, I am propelled to ask: When did death become a thing that can be compared?

    Perhaps I might ask, at this juncture, how is death measured? How does one grieve for the people killed on New Year’s Day in Rivers and those killed in the Benue attacks? I find in this drama an explicit demonstration of Orwell’s Animal Farm: some deaths are more equal than others…

    This, no doubt, presents the temptation to stir and vent passion. Yet it can’t be considered enough.  It isn’t enough to denounce and condemn the massacres. It isn’t enough to tongue-lash the president and his army of misfits from the comfort of our armchairs. Anybody can do that; no task, in fact, seems more commonplace these days. It isn’t enough to condense all of our supposed anguish and sympathy into a hashtag. If we must mourn our dead, but how do we mourn them?

    It isn’t yet enough to suppress our disillusionment and despair until the next elections. For yesterday, four soldiers died. Today, a mother and his son were butchered. On the morrow, another requiem mass will be held for a hundred more people  massacred by the death merchant and you’d still be lounging in your cosy armchair, phone in hand, clicking the ‘Tweet’ button to your #TrumpIsARacist post.

    • Kingsley Charles,

    Lagos.

  • Southeast governors mourn

    Southeast governors mourn

    The Southeast Governors’ Forum has mourned former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme.

    It described the death as a great loss to the Igbo nation and the country.

    The forum Chairman, Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi, described the incident as the end of an era.

    Umahi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, described Ekwueme’s death as a great loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria.

    He commiserated with the Anambra State government and Ekwueme family of Oko on the loss and prayed God to grant him eternal rest.

    Umahi said: “The death of our father and leader, Dr. Ekwueme, is so devastating, especially now that his fatherly advice is needed.  He was a great Nigerian and a great believer in the unity of the country. As his children, we have learnt a lot from his deep political sagacity.

    “As the Vice-President of Nigeria, Ekwueme was a great rallying factor of Igbo socio-political integration.  He was a voice of reason and a man who toiled to place Ndigbo at the centre of mainstream politics. Indeed, we have lost a rare gem, a gentleman and a decent politician and academia.”

    The governor said the Southeast, through the governors, would draw up a programme on how to pay their last respect to the fallen political tree.

    He commiserated with his family and Anambra State government.

  • Aregbesola, Adebule, Ashafa others mourn

    Aregbesola, Adebule, Ashafa others mourn

    Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Home Affairs Commissioner Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, have described the death of the ?Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim as a big loss to the entire Muslim community in Lagos and Nigeria.

    In a condolence message by the Media Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Sola Fasure, Aregbesola described Sheikh Ibrahim as a foremost Islamic Scholar, who was not only well versed in the Quran and the Hadith, but lived all his life as a good Muslim and worthy leader of the faith.

    He added: “The death of Sheikh Ibrahim is a big loss to the entire state because he preached peace and unity while alive. His preaching at home and his gospel of Islamic scholarship will be missed.”

    “He was a man of peace who built bridges and reached out to people of other faiths.

    Imam Akinola was a honest man, who built a reputation for integrity and high service. He served humanity and the Muslim Ummah well. His passage is a great loss which has left a huge void that will be hard to fill”.

    While praying for the repose of the soul of the late cleric, Aregbesola urged members of various Muslim societies to continue the good works Sheikh Ibrahim started, adding “this is the only way to immortalise this pride of Lagos in particular and Nigeria as a whole. This is a sad moment for the Muslim Ummah in Lagos, we are however grateful to God that he led a profoundly peaceful life.? He was no doubt a scholar of higher integrity who touched the lives of many Muslims positively.

    “I commiserate with the government and the people of Lagos, particularly the Muslim Ummah and the family of the Imam. I pray that Allah will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss”. Aregbesola said.

    Dr Adebule who described the late Chief Imam as God-fearing, pious and exemplary religious leader noted that the deceased leadership quality and administrative acumen had helped in no small way to achieve inter-religious harmony  and peaceful co-existence  in the state.

    While stating that the Lagos State Government and indeed the Muslim community in the state would miss his wealth of religious understanding, Mrs Adebule noted that Sheikh Ibrahim’s leadership quality and religious tolerance had in no small way contributed to the religious harmony and  inter-ethnic peace enjoyed in the state, adding   that the late Muslim cleric had written his name in the sand of history.

    The Deputy Governor therefore called on Muslim community to work hard to keep his memory alive by upholding his known legacies including hard work, religious tolerance, fear of God, love for one’s country and strict adherence to the principle of Islam.

    Senator Ashafa said the late Sheikh Ibrahim was a good man who lived an exemplary life in service of Almighty Allah and Lagos State.

    “He was not only a religious leader but also a spiritual father and role model to many Nigerians. His courageous sermons which revealed an in-depth knowledge of Islam would remain a lasting legacy for generations to come.

    “I enjoyed the benefit of having a relationship with him since the period I served at the Lands bureau Lagos State where his constant prayers and wise counsel until the time of his death remained a source of support and encouragement to me.

    Considering the positive impact he has made in many lives, I am confident to state that his death is not just a loss to the people of Lagos State but to the Muslim ummah as a whole and as such he would be dearly missed,” Ashafa said.

    Obasa described the late Chief Imam as a honest cleric who stood for nothing but the truth in his entire life.

    “He was an unbiased man of God who stood for the truth all his entire life; the nation and Lagos State in particular will surely miss him. His words of advice, prayers and wisdom are still needed as contribution to the development of the country. But we can’t question Almighty Allah who has deemed it fit to call our father back to Him,” he said.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, described the Chief Imam as “an icon of religious tolerance who lived a life worthy of emulation.”

    AbdulLateef said: “Sheikh Akinola was a father of all, a pristine teacher of Islamic message, and a peace builder who played key roles in ensuring peaceful coexistence of people of different faiths in Nigeria.

    “We are going to miss him. But we thank Allah for a life well spent. May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdous. May He give his family and the Muslim community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

    A social cultural group, The Ile Bintin Club of Lagos, commiserated with the Muslim community in Lagos over the loss of Sheikh Ibrahim.

    A statement signed by its Vice Chairman, Dr Gbolahan Alli-Balogun, the group described the late cleric as “a dedicated Muslim scholar and cleric of note and a distinguished religious leader who served God and promoted humanity deploying his religious platform as a tool.”

    The group expressed its sincere condolences to the Lagos State Government and the Muslim community in Lagos State and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the family and others that he left behind, the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Chief Judge, Odinkalu mourn Justice Nwokedi

    Chief Judge, Odinkalu mourn Justice Nwokedi

    Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi and former National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Prof Chidi Odinkalu have mourned the late Justice P. K. Nwokedi.

    The late Nwokedi was a Chief Judge of Anambra State. He later became a Supreme Court Justice and pioneer NHRC chairman.

    The late Justice Nwokedi was one of the prominent Anambra jurists who were honoured by the State Judiciary during the sixth edition of the Anambra CJ Annual Dinner and Awards Night March 20.

    He was aged 93.

    Justice Umeadi said: “In the little hours of Monday, September 4, I received a massage from Mr. Uche Nwokedi (SAN) that his dad, Justice P.K.  Nwokedi, passed away at Enugu the previous day.”

    He described the late Nwokedi as hard working, erudite, benevolent and a mentor.

    “He was a veritable prince, politician, Zikist, nationalist, jurist, former Chief Judge of Old Anambra State and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. May his sublime and gentle soul rest in peace,” the CJ said.

    Odinkalu described the late Justice Nwokedi as a man of exceptional integrity.

    The late jurist was born on November3, 1925 and had his elementary education at Holy Trinity School Onitsha in Anambra State.

    After his secondary education at the St. Gregory’s College, Lagos , he proceeded to study law at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

    He practiced law for several years before he was appointed the Chief Judge of East Central State, comprising Anambra, Enugu, Ebony, Abia and Imo states.

    When Anambra State was created, he remained the Chief Judge, a position he retained after Enugu State was split from Anambra.

    Besides serving at the Supreme Court, the late Justice Nwokedi was chairman, Law Reforms Commission and pioneer NHRC chairman.

    Among his survivors is Mr. Uche Nwokedi  (SAN).

  • Osinbajo, governors, others mourn ‘illustrious son’

    Osinbajo, governors, others mourn ‘illustrious son’

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has led tributes to Nigeria’s former UN ambassador Maitama Sule who died yesterday.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande,Osinbajo extended deep and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates and the government of Kano State, praying that the Almighty God comforts all.

    The late Sule, according to the Acting President, is best remembered on the global scene, as one of Nigeria’s foremost envoys whose clarity of voice and vision contributed significantly to the high esteem and respect the country earned at the UN.

    At home, Osinbajo also remembered the late Sule as an illustrious son of Nigeria, noting that his death is a loss to the nation.

    Osinbajo observed that the late Sule, a great Nigerian leader and a committed nationalist, who positioned himself as an agent of unity.

    Even as he advanced gracefully in age, Osinbajo said the late Sule was always prepared to reach out to other leaders of thought across the country in the noble quest for unity, tolerance and national cohesion.

    “He did not waver in lending his voice to the promotion of moderation in national discourse, and his graceful conduct thereto would be sorely missed,” he said.

    According to him, the late Sule never relented applying his wealth of experience to advance the cause of unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, and his fatherly counsel to those in authority had always been bold, sincere and untainted.

    While commending his patriotic fervour, and passionate zeal for public service, the Acting President recalled the late Sule’s unparalleled dedication to duty as a formidable diplomat, politician, minister and acclaimed orator whose well researched and excellently delivered speeches inspired and impressed several Nigerians, including himself.

    Osinbajo urged the octogenarian’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the fact that his selfless commitment to the stability of Nigeria will not be forgotten and would always be honoured.

    On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and the entire people of Nigeria, the Acting President conveyed heartfelt condolences on the loss of a great national asset.

    He prayed that Allah will bless his memory, grant the family and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki described the late Sule as a detribalised Nigerian who spoke truth to power at all times.

    He described the late Sule as an avowed and highly respected personality, core democrat, fearless politician, exceptional orator and an accomplished public servant.

    Saraki urged Nigerians to toe the path of dialogue in addressing their grievances and to eschew ethnic tensions as embodied by the late former minister, noting that “this is the highest respect we will pay to his legacies”.

    He called on both the Federal and the Kano State governments to immortalise the icon of peace and an advocate of justice and fairness.

    “Through sheer oratory, the name Maitama Sule had become synonymous with wit and wisdom. He never minced words when speaking against ills in society and how to curb them,” he said.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu expressed deep grief, saying: “This is the exit of a patriot, true statesman, role model, social crusader, diplomat of an uncommon pedigree, and an orator, who served the nation and humanity in many capacities.

    “Although he was popularly known as Dan Masanin Kano, some of us preferred to call him Dan Masanin Nigeria, for he had a rare national appeal and loomed larger than life itself even in his humility. A man of unimpeachable integrity and agent of national rebirth, Dan Masanin was, true to his title, a man of the people, mouthpiece of the poor, master of words, peacemaker, and diplomat per excellence”.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara described the death as a monumental loss to the African continent.

    He said the Dan Masani was a colossus, patriot, father to all, and a distinguish. elderstatesman who wrote his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

    ”From struggle for independence to his stewardship as a Federal MP, Federal Commissioner of public complaints, to his service as Nigeria’s permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule’ s record of public service was excellent, exemplary and worthy of emulation.”

    “Even at old age, and faced with health challenges, the late elderstatesman never relented in building bridges of friendship, peace and preaching love amongst Nigerians.”

    “Undoubtedly, he was an icon of peace, transparency, a born orator, patriot and a distinguished statesman who gave his all for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria as one indivisible nation.”

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the late Sule impacted the nation positively in various spheres of human endeavour.

    The governor said: “Our country has lost a rare breed. A leading light from the old generation has been extinguished. He was a complete gentleman whose honesty, commitment and dedication to the unity of Nigeria will forever be cherished.

    “Dan Masani’s name will continue to be identified with everything positive about Nigeria and its people. Whenever the future generation reads about Dan Masani, they will encounter a man who was cherished and respected by the high and mighty from all parts of the country.”

    Jigawa State Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar expressed his “heartfelt condolences” and described the deceased as “a prominent community leader who served his people with all ability; an eloquent politician like no one in his time and a prominent traditional title holder that earned respect from all.”

    Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai described Sule’s  death as a colossal loss, not only to his family, his friends and political associates, but to the entire Nigerian nation.

    ’’Even though, we parted ways politically at a certain stage of our political life, fate brought us together when Kano State was created, where we both served as pioneer members of the state executive council to the end of the lifetime of our administration,’’ he said, adding:

    ‘’We remained as best of friends right from our childhood, never had any personal quarrel. Extremely jovial person, there was never a dull moment with Maitama.”

    Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dr Kayode Fayemi said Sule’s death had robbed the country of a true patriot, nationalist and peace maker.

    The minister described the late Ambassador as a distinguished leader, political thinker, strategist, foremost diplomat, courageous politician and elder statesman who brought a touch of courage and candour to whatever he did.

    Dr Fayemi recalled his relationship with the late Sule, whom he described as a man who possessed a great depth of wisdom and wit and leader with a huge sense of history.

    The minister recalled his last meeting with the late politician in Abuja last week, after he took ill. “Before then we were putting finishing touches to his book launch. Little did I know that that would be our last meeting.”

    “Ambassador Maitama Sule  was a man of distinction, a compassionate and courageous leader, who was moved more by conviction. He was indeed a good man who stood out among his peers. He was the last of the titans,” Fayemi said.

  • Health reporters mourn Osotimehin

    Health reporters mourn Osotimehin

    The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) has expressed shock over the death of the Executive Director, United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), Prof Babatunde Osotimehin.

    In a statement signed by its President, Roland Ogbonnaya, and Secretary Yinka Shokunbi, the group said until his death, Osotimehin was a pillar of support for the body, which he advised its members to be forthright in their reporting.

    “We recall with nostalgia his unequivocal response to the reproductive health care and needs of the first 21 abducted Chibok girls who were released in October 2015 during a meeting with our members in October 2015.

    ‘’It was Osotimehin who first broke the news to the media through the network that some of the girls were pregnant and pleaded that the rights and dignity of the young school girls should be protected, especially with regards to their choices on what to do with the pregnancy,” they stated.

    The group said through Osotimehin’s office as the Executive Director, UNFPA, customised packs were provided for women and girls in all the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the country.

    It said Osotimehin’s contributions to promoting the rights of youths remained unrivalled globally, especially as a champion of getting family planning materials to end- users.

    At home, the late Osotimehin was instrumental to the launch of the Save One Million Lives (SOMIL) Initiative by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in October 2012 and ensured that the Federal Government  spent $11.5million to buy essential 13 specific life-saving materials for women and children.

    “We remain committed to continuing Osotimehin’s vision for women and young people and his unshakeable stand for reproductive health, human rights and dignity of all particularly the most vulnerable adolescent girls,” said Ogbonna and Shokunbi.

     

  • Buhari, Obasanjo IBB, Mark, others mourn Adebayo

    Buhari, Obasanjo IBB, Mark, others mourn Adebayo

    •Ambode, Tinubu, Ambode visit family

    THE Ladipo Bateye Street, Ikeja GRA residence of the Adebayos continued yesterday to host Nigerians from all walks of live to identify with members of the family of the former governor of the defunct Western Region, the Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, who passed on in the wee hours of Wednesday, the eve of his 89th birthday.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on medical vacation in London, spoke with the eldest son of the deceased, Otunba Niyi Adebayo on the telephone to register his condolences. His predecessors Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Ernest Shonekan visited the family to condole with them.

    Also at the Ladipo Bateye Street, Ikeja GRA residence of the Adebayos to commiserate with family members were all Progressives stalwarts Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Gen Ike Nwachukwu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and foremost industrialist Razaq Okoya with his wife Sade.

    Among other callers were: former Lagos State military administrator and Chief of General Staff (CGS) Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Steel & Minerals Development Minister Kayode Fayemi and former Minister of State for Defence Prince Demola Seriki.

    Others sent their condolence messages.

    Buhari: Nigeria’ll miss his uncommon patriotism President Muhammadu Buhari commiserated with the family of the former governor of the defunct Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo.

    Buhari, in a telephone call from London to the deceased eldest son and former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo, described the late military governor as a true patriot.

    He lamented that Nigeria would surely miss the “uncommon patriotism and nationalism”, which the late Adebayo typified.

    President Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, also commiserated with the people of Ekiti State and the entire Yoruba race.

    He noted that the late octogenarian, while standing firmly for the unity of the country, also fought for the interest of his people as the President of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE).

    Buhari prayed that Almighty God will console the Adebayo family and grant the soul of the departed elder statesman eternal rest.

    Mr. Niyi Adebayo, while thanking President Buhari for the call and condolences, also wished him good health.

    One of Nigeria’s finest officers gone, says Babangida

    A former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, described the defunct Western Region Governor, the late Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo as a cosmopolitan, level-headed personality and a detribalised Nigerian.

    Babangida, who paid tributes to the ex-governor in a statement in Abuja, said Adebayo was “highly disciplined in the finest tradition of military orientation.”

    The statement reads: “At 89, one would think life was well spent and it was time for him to go and have a deserved rest, but losing a dear one, no matter the age, comes with grief, pains, sorrow and nostalgia.

    “That was my feeling when I heard the sudden death of one of Nigeria’s finest military officers and leaders, Gen Adeyinka Adebayo.

    “As a young military officer, I had the rare privilege of working very closely with him as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), when he was Commandant. He was such a unique leader with listening ears and uncommon intellect.

    “His leadership as a Commandant of the NDA was remarkable, especially coming at a time when the civil war had just ended. He was largely detribalised and cosmopolitan, highly disciplined in the finest tradition of military orientation.

    “He provided ample guidance to the Cadets, including those of us who were instructors. He extended the same discipline to his children in their growing up years. He was indeed a good leader, a good man and one whose wise counsel we will all miss.

    “A great mind with sheer brilliance, General Adebayo will be greatly missed not only as an elder statesman with unique persona, but one who remained level-headed all through his sojourn in life.

    “May the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest in the hereafter, and grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear with this painful loss. As a leader who lived a fulfilled life, I am consoled that his positive legacies will continue to serve as good reference point to this and unborn generations. Rest in Peace, the Great Commandant.”

    Ex-governor Oni: It’s end of an era

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (South) Segun Oni described the death of Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo as the end of era in the annals of Nigeria, and the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Army, in particular.

    Oni said in a statement: “Papa Adebayo was the oldest military in Nigeria and the last of the first nine officers appointed when British Imperial  Government began the process of Africanisation and Nigerianisation of the officers cadre.

    “He was indeed a man of history with a chain of firsts in his military career. Until his death, the last man standing, he was the last to wear the Red Cap after the military coup of 29 July 1966”

    “Papa was a foremost elder statesman, a nationalist who gave all to the service of the country, the Yoruba race with exceptional humility.

    “He condescended to serve as Military Governor of the old Western Region, after the July 1966 coup, under a junior officer as Head of State, for the love his people, the unity and stability of the country.”

    Immortalise him, Mark urges Ekiti governor

    Former Senate President David Mark paid glowing tribute to the former military the late Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, saying the former Wstern Region military ranked among the first military officers who laid the solid foundation for Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

    In a condolence message to the Government and People of Ekiti, Senator Mark State described the late Adebayo as a pathfinder, who championed the course of peace and unity of the country.

    He recalled that the late general was among the few military officers who stood to be counted to keep Nigeria one especially during the Nigeria/ Biafra 30-month-old civil war.

    Mark said: “In our younger days, Gen. Adebayo was among the few military officers we looked up to. He was our mentor in many respects. Most of us strived to be like Adebayo. He was our father figure.

    “Death is a necessary end that must come when it shall. But the death of Adebayo at this time has robbed the nation of his wise counsel needed to navigate through the murky political terrain”.

    Mark noted that the fact that Gen Adebayo lived an accomplished life worthy of emulation was his consolation.

    He urged the Ekiti State government to immortalise Adebayo for his immeasurable contributions to nation building.

     Nigeria has lost a strong voice,   says Akande

    All Progressives Congress Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande described the death of Gen Adebayo Adeyinka as the loss of a strong voice and one of the finest men in Nigeria.

    In a condolence message by the former Osun State governor described the late general as a bridge-builder and a patriot, who represented the country well at all levels.

    According to him, the late Gen. Adebayo emerged one of the earliest leading lights in Yorubaland through his military career which placed him in a position to always speak on behalf of and work for the interest of the Yoruba nation.

    The late Gen Adebayo never faltered in speaking and protecting the interest of Yorubas till he breathed his last.

    Akande said: “The Yoruba nation has lost one of its strong voices and finest men, Nigeria’s bridge-builder and patriot in the governor of old Western Region, Gen Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, who passed on Wednesday.

    “Gen Adebayo’s voice is a respected one in the country and has some landmarks to his name in terms of development when he served as the Governor of predominantly Yoruba enclave called Western region.

    “History will be kind to Gen Adebayo for the patriotic roles in played in strengthening bond of ties that hold the different ethnics groups in Nigeria.”

    Akande recounted the efforts the late general put into the federal military government’s reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, the committee of which he headed in the post-civil war era which and handled in most commendable manner.

    Akande concluded that the late general  would be remembered for serving his fatherland diligently, just as he prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and that God should grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Ekiti APC: Nigeria has lost disciplined leader

    The local chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State described the defunct Western Region military governor as a nationalist and elderstatesman, the late Gen. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo.

    Expressed sadness over the passing on the octogenarian, the party said the nation has lost a disciplined leader whose counsel will be missed as Nigeria braces to tackle its economic challenges.

    In a statement yesterday by its spokesman Taiwo Olatunbosun, the APC described the death of the late military general and Chairman of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) as a great loss to Nigeria, the Yoruba race and his native Ekiti State.

    The statement reads: Nigeria will greatly miss this detribalised and disciplined military officer, nationalist and statesman, who spent his productive years in the service of his nation at critical moments when the peace, stability and unity of the country were at stake.

    “Citing horror, devastation and extreme human suffering that would attend a full-blown war in the resolution of Biafra agitation, it will go down in history that the late Gen. Adebayo’s voice resonated against the push for a full-blown war to resolve the crisis, which later made Nigeria to slide to a bitter civil war that claimed the lives of millions of Nigerians.

    “This singular disposition as a man of peace propelled the Federal Military Government led by Gen. Yakubu Gowon to appoint the late Gen. Adebayo as the Chairman of the Integration and Reconciliation Committee that brought the Easterners back to a united Nigeria.”

    Afenifere: He was a gift to the world

    The Ekiti State chapter of Afenifere commiserated with former Ekiti State Governor Adeniyi Adebayo on the death of his father and former governor of old Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Yemi Alade and Publicity Secretary, Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae, the group expressed gratitude to God for a life well-spent by the late military hero.

    The Afenifere described the former president of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) as a gift to Ekiti, Nigeria and Africa.

    The statement reads: “Afenifere is filled with pride to be associated with Baba, particularly through his son, His Excellency, Otunba Niyi Adebayo who became governor during his lifetime.

    “The late Gen. Adebayo has left indelible mark on the sands of time that cannot be erased. It is our belief that Ekiti, and particularly Iyin, would forever remember the contributions of Baba to the eventual creation of Ekiti State in 1996.

    “This was a journey that started when Gen Adebayo was military governor of the West, when he carved Ekiti into four divisions from one.”

    Ambode to widow: he lived a fulfilled live 

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said the late former military governor of the defunct Western Region, Gen Adeyinka Adebayo lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

    Speaking during his condolence visit to the general’s widow, Dupe, and other members of the nationalist’s at their Lagos residence, Ambode said though Pa Adebayo passed away on the eve of his 89th birthday, his life and times would continue to be celebrated by Nigerians.

    He said the late general was totally committed to unify the Yoruba nation, urging leaders in the region to strive to sustain his legacies.

    The governor said though his death had brought top leaders of the Yoruba nation together to his residence, it was more than a coincidence, but a greater call for those he left behind to protect the unity of the region.

    He said: “On behalf of the people of Lagos State, I bring my deepest condolences to the family of a great leader of the Western Region, of a nationalist, of a pathfinder, of a God-fearing man, a trailblazer that set this new set of Yoruba leaders in the right part, that we are able to come here not by coincidence, but the mere fact that he would ordinarily have been marking his 89th birthday today.

    “So, while we share with mama, this deep sense of loss, we also say congratulations that on a day like this, there is a convergence of those that have gone through the school of Gen Adebayo to be able to come here and wish you well, wish the family well and also celebrate a life that is exemplary, that the younger ones like us have the joy to follow.

    He expressed optimism that Pa Adebayo’s death would unify the Yoruba nation more than ever before, a course which he spent the greater part of his life fighting for.

    “If he had any last wish, he would have wanted this convergence here in his presence, but I know he is present with u here. The only thing we can do for him is to make that fundamental wish they’ve always had together in the last nine decades that  he was alive, that people like us and the rest of our leadership  will bring to fore the wishes that he ever had for the Yoruba race and the Nigeria nation.”

    Great leader, remarkable patriot gone, says Ibori

    Former Delta State Governor James Ibori joined other Nigerians in mourning the passing of former Western Region military governor Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo. He described him as a great patriot who sacrificed greatly for the country’s unity after the counter-coup of July 1966.

    In a statement, Ibori said: “The late Gen Adebayo did not for once seek personal gain whatsoever, as one of the most senior officers that would have been in contention for leadership in the aftermath of the counter-coup in mid-1966, but set his mind and heart to the search for peace and unity for Nigeria.

    “Furthermore, his record as Western State Governor remains a shining example for others to emulate.”

    Wishing the soul of general a sweet repose, Ibori sent his condolences to Mr. Niyi Adebayo, who was his close colleague as Ekiti State governor from 1999 to 2003.

    According to him, the former Ekiti State helmsman has since remained “a friend and brother” and his others siblings, including Mrs. Nike Makinde and Soal Adebayo.

  • Saraki, Bello, Atiku, Mark, Lagos NUJ mourn ex-Daily Times MD

    Saraki, Bello, Atiku, Mark, Lagos NUJ mourn ex-Daily Times MD

    Senate President  Abubakar Bukola Saraki,Kogi State Governor Yahaya  and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, yesterday expressed sadness over the death of a former Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria, Dr. Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba.
    He was allegedly knocked down by a vehicle while escaping a armed robbery blockade.
    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described Onukaba as a quintessential intellectual, consummate administrator, complete gentleman and a detribalised Nigerian.
    According to Saraki, Onukaba would be missed for his contributions to the country’s growth, both in the media, literary and political fields.
    He commiserated with his immediate family, the government and people of Kogi State over the “untimely death of their dear son and a true Nigerian”.
    Urging his family to take solace in the fact that Onukaba served his country excellently and left his footprints on the sands of time, he prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.
    Bello commiserated with the people of the state and family of the late journalist and former Kogi governorship aspirant, Dr. Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, on his death.
    The Kogi State governor, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Petra Akinti Onyegbule, said Onukaba’s death was hard for the people, coming barely after a year of the loss of another illustrious son of the state and former Minister of State for Labour James Ocholi.
    The statement read: “This is especially sad and painful coming on the first anniversary of the death of another illustrious Kogi son and legal luminary, Barrister James Ocholi, SAN, who died in active service.”
    He prayed that God should put a stop to such loss of prominent indigenes in their prime.
    He added: “Onukaba was a rare gem, a sound mind and a technocrat per excellence. He will be sorely missed for his kind-heartedness. He has done things definitely worth writing about and written things worth reading, and as such, can never be forgotten in coming generations.”
    He prayed that Allah comfort his family and grant repose to the soul of the departed.
    Mark described the death of the frontline journalist and playwright as devastating .
    He noted that the late journalist was a patriotic Nigerian who worked  and believed in the sanctity of the unity and peace of the nation.
    The former Senate President spoke through a statement by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh.
    Mark recalled the contributions of Onukaba, especially to the literary community and submitted that the late author was one of the brightest and fertile minds in the contemporary history of Nigeria.
    Atiku described the late Onukaba Adenoyi-Ojo as a loyal and an irreplaceable asset and a great loss to the journalism profession.
    In a condolence message from his media office in Abuja, the former vice president described his death as shocking, painful and beyond words, adding that he saw him right before he travelled out of Abuja.
    He said: “Onukaba was at my house just on Friday. He visited me just before travelling out of Abuja. I had no idea that it was the last time I would ever set eyes on him.”
    Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, described the untimely death of Onukaba, as a great loss to journalism profession.
    Lagos NUJ Chairman Deji Elumoye, in a tribute yesterday, said the late writer’s experience as a quintessential journalist will be missed, saying that his death through motor accident was regrettable.
    Praying to God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, Elumoye noted that Adinoyi-Ojo, as a seasoned journalist who was very active as a member of The Guardian chapel of Lagos NUJ some years back, “also tried all his possible best to ensure that welfare of journalists and other workers was a priority while he held sway as Daily Times MD few years back”

    He said the late journalist rose through the ranks and got to the pinnacle of his professional calling before venturing into politics, where he also made his mark, especially in his home state, Kogi State, where he tried twice in the past to be the governor.
    Elumoye said the death of the veteran journalist through motor accident showed the deplorable condition of the federal roads across the country and called on government to effect timely repairs of these highways “so as to reduce cases of accident and untimely death of people”.

  • Buhari, Saraki, Dogara, ASUU mourn

    Buhari, Saraki, Dogara, ASUU mourn

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condemned the terrorist attack.
    In a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the president expressed sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the University Community, families of the victims and the government and people of Borno State.
    He said the appalling attack on a revered place of worship and Ivory Tower showed that the perpetrators have no true understanding of Islam.
    He said their despicable acts of terrorism are cowardly, criminal, unjustifiable and punishable before God and the laws of the land.
    He reassured communities in Borno and others in the Northeast that his administration would continue to ensure that terrorism never triumphs over peace-loving Nigerians.
    He reaffirmed the need for Nigerians to remain more vigilant even as the security agencies continue to use all means at their disposal to combat the remnants of insurgents and their sponsors.
    Buhari also wished those injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery, and comfort for families of the dead.
    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara described the bomb attack as the height of wickedness.
    He urged the military not to he deterred in its efforts to rid the country of terrorism, however wondered how learning institution could be target of the degraded insurgents.
    A statement by Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan said: “Describing the sad incident, which occurred at a mosque in the university’s staff quarters during today’s early morning prayers, as the height of wickedness, barbarism, callousness and ungodliness, the Speaker lamented that in spite of the military feat which dislodged the terrorists from their enclave, the insurgents could still find the audacity to carry out such a dastardly act on the University campus.
    “Noting the latest bomb attack as yet another evil dimension taken by the terrorists, the Speaker urged the Nigerian security operatives not to be deterred by the new tactics of the terrorists but to step up their operations as to consolidate on the gains so far made in the fight against terrorism”.
    Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Monday said that the sporadic attacks of the Boko Haram sect is a desperate attempt and a farce as the Nigeria Army have already succeeded in the fight against terrorism.
    He said that like drowning men trying to stay afloat, the Boko Haram terrorists are trying to scare Nigerians whereas they have been defeated adding that their tactics will not work.
    The Senate President spoke in Minna after he led a delegation from the Senate on a condolence visit to the family of Late former Governor of Niger state, Engineer Abdulkadir Kure.
    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), expressed shock over the early bomb blast The union suspended a news conference it had planned to hold after its National Executive Council meeting in Kano.
    ASUU National President Prof Abiodun Ogunyemi, announced the suspension of the news conference in Kano..
    He said that following the bomb blast, the executive council of the union had no alternative than to suspend the conference until it gets the details of what happened.
    “We don’t have the state of mind to do what we want to do today.
    “We are upset with unfortunate development in Maiduguri.
    “We learnt that four people including a professor lost their lives while six others sustained injuries,”Ogunyemi said.

  • Ambode, Amosun mourn 

    Ambode, Amosun mourn 

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the death of foremost accountant and a former Minister of Commerce Dr. Bola Kuforiji-Olubi.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the lagos State governor described her as a distinguished businesswoman, banker, economist and accountant, who cut her teeth in the corporate world.

    The governor recalled the former minister’s decades of distinguished career in the private and public sectors, saying she was a role model for the future generation.

    “Dr. Kuforiji- Olubi was a woman of many firsts; she wrote her name in gold in the banking industry and was a pace-setter and leader in banking, manufacturing and entrepreneurship not only in Nigeria but also in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    “It is not surprising that she was a proud and well-deserved recipient of National honours, fellowships, awards and honorary degrees from within and outside the country,’’ Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor said Dr. Olubi’s legacies would continue to be a source of inspiration to the younger generation.

    Governor Ambode also prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul, urging her family to draw strength from the legacies she stood for while she was alive and the fact that she was a devout Christian.

    ”On behalf of my family and the people of Lagos state, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Dr. Olubi, on this great and irreparable loss.

    “I had always admired her demeanour. She was a woman of true character, substance and quiet nobility. We will sorely miss her”, he said.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun also expressed mixed feelings over her death.

    ”Yes we will miss her, but we still have to thank God for the impactful and successful life she lived,” Amosun said in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Adejuwon Soyinka.

    He added that the late Mrs. Kuforiji-Olubi “impacted and motivated generations of Nigerians, especially women, through her industry and success as a technocrat and an administrator.”

    While commiserating with the Kuforiji-Olubi family, the people of Ogun State and indeed all Nigerians over the loss of Mrs. Kuforiji-Olubi, Governor Amosun said, “for us in Ogun State, she was an icon. She was one of those international icons that made us proud.”

    He added: “her enviable track record includes being the first woman in Sub Saharan Africa to serve as Chairman of a leading financial institution, UBA; the first Chairman of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and Vice Chairman, National Conference on Nigerian foreign policy among others.

    “We will particularly miss her words of wisdom at this critical stage in the development of our dear state.”