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Tag: mourn

  • Nigerians mourn gallant officer

    this appellation was not bestowed on him for nothing, in the fight against Boko Haram, Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali’s name is written in gold. He participated in every battle, always at the head of his men.

    In early February 2015, the Army faced the arduous task to recapture Baga town from Boko Haram terrorists who had established a Caliphate of the most extreme form of Islam. Baga was a fortress for Boko Haram and any  battalion unsure of itself would merely be on suicide mission if  it tried to regain Baga.

    The Army found solace and courage in a “smallish guy” with the rank of a Major.

    Abu- Ali is an unconventional choice to lead the battle into Baga. If you met him, he would have a lot of explanations to do to convince you he is a soldier.

    Abu- Ali is smallish in stature, with a round and unassuming expression. One cannot but notice his pale skin, big eyeballs and sparse frame. No; Abu Ali cannot be a soldier, one would say.

    So, it was this unusual candidate that led the battle into Baga. It was according to Acting Director Army Public Relations Col. Sani Usman, one of the fiercest battles against Boko Haram.

    But Abu -Ali won the war despite all odds and took back the strategic town.

    Tactical, intelligent, Sophisticated.

    So how did Abu- Ali achieved the impossible? According to several colleagues, journalists, subordinates who spoke to The Nation, Abu- Ali was one of the finest tacticians in the Army.

    “Abu -Ali does not believe only in the quantity of the troops or the numerical strength he believes in tactics,” one said of him.

    Abu -Ali was a tank expert. His philosophy of war modelled the modern realities where emphasis is on equipment than men.

    This was Abu -Ali’s successful strategy in Baga. He used it again when he captured Monguno.

    “ He told us not to worry that we would only need to do five percent of the work, that the remaining 95 percent he would do with tanks,” the soldier told an online medium after the battle.

    Abu -Ali believed that there was no need for “unnecessary loss of lives” when machines could do the job. He was an expert tanker and was said to always lead his men in his own tank. In Baga, he led with the T-72 second generation tank.

    No formation could stand in the way of Abu -Ali and his furious tanks, town after town fell to his superior strategy, courage and determination.

    The fear of Abu -Ali was the beginning of Boko Haram’s wisdom, say many commentators. Referred to as the albatross of Boko Haram, he would drive his tanks against a column of insurgents, destroy their IEDs and save the lives of his soldiers.

    Abu -Ali also conducted many operations against the insurgents deep into Sambisa forest, clearing insurgents camps one after the other.

    Pray, stay alert, stay alive

    Abu- Ali had an uncommon relationship with his officers and men, many of whom hardly speak well of the establishment. In the Operation Lafiya Dole (peace by force) which is responsible for the fight against Boko Haram, Abu-Ali was loved, almost to a fault.

    He not only fought side by side with his men, he was prepared to lay down his life for them. “Pray, stay alert, Stay alive” were his usual charge to his men. He would tell them that if anyone should die, it would be him.

    That was exactly what happened last Friday when it all ended for Abu –Ali.  Abu- Ali and the men of 272 Tank Battalion had done extremely well in curtailing what the army called “remnants of Boko Haram”.

    Mallam Fatori had been a Boko Haram stronghold, but Abu-Ali dislodged the terrorists but intermittently, “remnants” of the insurgents would attack the army’s position.

    On Friday, they came again, this time in large numbers. Sources said Abu-Ali recognised the precarious position he was in and quickly called for reinforcement.

    No one has been able to tell how Abu -Ali died. He reportedly died fighting. Four soldiers died with him. Four were injured. Fourteen terrorists died.

    A source said Abu-Ali would have been alive if he had not been devoted to his men. He would not leave them, he would not accept any special treatment or right to live.

    His duty was his life, when colleagues recall his exploits he would assume a furlong look, unable to process why he would be singled out for special recognition.

    Many were stunned when the picture of Abu-Ali’s body arrived from the war front in a body bag, flown in an Air Force helicopter. A parade of soldiers saluting the body as it was wheeled past. It was a touching spectacle.

    A nation mourns

    On the day Abu-Ali died, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was one of the first to commiserate with the military and his family. Ali’s death was a big loss to th state (he was and indegene) and  the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom.

    Bello said: “He was a gallant officer who served the nation with his all and paid the supreme price by laying down his life for the peace of the country. He will be remembered for his sacrifice and  commitment to the cause of the Nigerian Army to rid the country of insurgency which has been a source of concern to every one.

    “Kogi State and indeed Nigerians will never forget your gallantry as you led a team of the Nigerian Army to recapture Baga from the control of terrorists and you died while in active service, gallant soldier.”

    The tributes poured in from those who knew him and those who did not. It is impossible to measure in words the outpouring of grief and anger which enveloped the nation at Abu-Ali’s death.

    Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-General Rabe Abubakar, told The Nation: “Ali served his country very well to the extent of sacrificing his life for his dear country. He said it is better for him to die than  lose his subordinates. Very courageous, quiet but focused  and highly professional and intelligent. The Nigerian military in general and Nigerian Army in particular  will miss him.”

    Defence Minister Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali described  the death of  Abu-Ali as “tragic and unfortunate”.

    In a press release made available to The Nation, he prayed God to grant the war hero eternal rest.

    “Defence Minster describes Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali  as a major pillar in the war against terrorism and insurgency in the Northeast. He also expresses his condolences to the father of the deceased,  Etsu of Bassa- Nge Kingdom (Kogi State), Brig.-Gen. Abu-Ali (retd), his young family and the Nigerian Army,” the statement read.

    The late Lt.-Col. Abu -Ali would be given a hero’s burial today, but it will be a celebration of his short life, of his dedication, commitment and love for fellow human. He left behind his father, Brig. Gen. Abu-Ali (rtd), the Etsu of Bassa-Nge, a young wife and three children.

  • Osinbajo mourns Keshi

    Osinbajo mourns Keshi

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday mourned the passing away of football star and coach, Stephen Keshi.

    In a statement signed by Osinbajo, he said that the news of the sudden death of Stephen Keshi has saddened the nation.

    As captain and coach of national football team, Osinbajo said that his service, dedication and achievements, including lifting the African Nations Cup both as a player and then as a coach, remained a great testament to the value of hard work.

    He said: “His personal triumphs and pursuits as a world-class professional footballer inspired many young talented sportsmen and women around Africa to strive for excellence.

    “His great work with our youth and senior national teams unified our country and brought joy to many compatriots. His feats within and outside the country, are a rich legacy, which will continue to live on in our hearts.

    “On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, I commiserate with the family of Mr. Stephen Keshi on this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with his children at this time of sadness especially so soon after the loss of their mother.

    “We send our deepest condolences to them and also to the countless friends he made in a lifetime of service.
    We pray that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he stated.

  • Buhari, APC, Atiku, others mourn

    Buhari, APC, Atiku, others mourn

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the death of the Minister.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, described Ocholi’s death as “untimely”, regretting that Nigeria has lost a key component of the change agenda.

    “Barrister Ocholi was an accomplished and patriotic Nigerian, who was keen to accept the call to service at a time his country needed him,” President Buhari said.

    He said that the late minister of state in the few months he had been in office had already begun to distinguish himself through his commitment to his portfolio.

    President Buhari also condoled with the government and people of Kogi State, who he described as having lost a distinguished and irreplaceable son.

    He prayed that God would comfort them and grant them the grace to bear the loss.

    “The entire country mourns the loss of this great man, who has sadly left us when we need him most,” he said.

    President Buhari has sent Secretary to the Government of the Federation David Babachir Lawal to convey the news to members of the late minister’s family and parishioners in his place of worship.

    The National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it received the news with great shock and sadness.

    The APC National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni in a condolence message described his death as a monumental loss.

    Buni prayed for the recovery of those injured in the accident, including the late minister’s wife and driver.

    The APC National Secretary said the late Ocholi, who was the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, will be remembered for his selfless service.

    While extending his condolences to the people and government of Kogi State, Buni prayed to Almighty God to grant Ocholi’s immediate family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

    The Kaduna state government has expressed deep shock over the incident.

    The government in a statement by spokesman to governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mr. Samuel Aruwan said the incident was devastating.

    “The state government extends its heartfelt condolences to President Mohammadu Buhari and the Ocholi family.

    “Our condolences goes to members of the Federal Executive Council and the entire nation, the minister died at a critical time when his contributions in the ongoing national rebirth and realisation of the change mantra are needed.

    “May the almighty God grant their souls eternal rest” the statement said.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a  press statement from the media office, described the late Ocholi as: “a wise and brilliant man, who was expected to impact significantly on the Buhari administration and the lives of Nigerians in many positive ways”.

    Atiku lamented that the nation has lost a committed professional whose place in his profession, political party and the budding administration, would be hard to fill.

    The statement urged those who knew the deceased, notably President Buhari, his colleagues at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the generality of Nigerians to take heart.

    Atiku also prayed for the repose of his soul, and for the quick recovery of his beloved wife and driver, who survived the accident.

    The former Vice President urged the bereaved family to take consolation in the fact that the late Ocholi was a much-beloved person, and an achiever whose contribution to nation-building and his community would not be easily forgotten.

     

  • Saraki, Mark mourn Emir of Borgu

    Saraki, Mark mourn Emir of Borgu

    •Ahmed, Aregbesola commiserate with monarch’s family

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday expressed grief at the death of the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III.

    He described the late emir as a people-oriented monarch, who fought for the interest of his people.

    In a statement by his media office in Abuja, Saraki said the late emir was a “quintessential traditional ruler,” who lived for the benefit of his people and the development of the country.

    Saraki said: “It saddens me that such a vibrant and devoted leader could be snatched from us so suddenly. We are, however, consoled that he lived a worthy, progressive and eventful life.

    “His death is a great loss, not only to the traditional institution, the people of Borgu and Niger State, but to Nigeria.”

    Former Senate President David Mark expressed shock and sadness at the demise of the emir.

    In a condolence message to the government and people of Niger State, Mark said the death of the emir was a personal loss.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed commiserated with the Borgu Emirate Council and the government and people of Niger State on the death of the emir.

    In a condolence message, the governor described the late monarch as a consummate politician, a statesman of note, a technocrat par excellence and a monarch with a Midas Touch, who impacted on lives far beyond his immediate domain.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola condoled with the family of the late emir.

    The governor described the late monarch as a detribalised Nigerian, who served the nation and his kingdom meritoriously.

    A statement by the Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, quoted the governor as describing the death of the emir and one-time senator and minister of the Nigeria as a monumental loss to the country.

     

  • Shonekan, Fayose, Olubadan mourn HID

    Shonekan, Fayose, Olubadan mourn HID

    Chairman of the defunct Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, and foremost industrialist, Oba Otudeko, yesterday visited the Ikenne,  Ogun State home of the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo to condole with the family.

    Other dignitaries who were also at Ikenne on a condolence visit yesterday included Governor Ayodele Fayose and Senator Murray Ben-Bruce.

    Chief Shonekan and Oba Odulana who extolled the virtues of Mama HID and Yeye Oodua, said her lifestyle should be emulated by people, particularly Nigerian women.

    The Olubadan, who was represented by the Osi  Olubadan,  Senator Lekan Balogun, and Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Abimbola Ajibola, said Mama would be missed for her contribution to growth, development and unity of Yorubaland.

    Also, Chief Shonekan who described HID Awolowo as a forthright personality and a strong supportive pillar to her husband and to Nigeria, said her name would remain indelible in the annals of the country.

    “Awo’s name cannot be deleted from the history of the nation. Both Papa and Mama had something that could be emulated,” Shonekan said.

    On his part, Senator Murray-Bruce condemned the nation’s failure to adequately chronicle  the lives of prominent Nigerians,  saying  the lack of a sense of history among Nigerians had continued to deny the younger generations  vital lessons that ought to have been properly learnt from the nation’s past heroes and heroines.

    For Fayose, the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty was the idol of the Yoruba nation.

    The govenor, who noted that Mama HID and her husband, the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo, contributed greatly to the education and enlightenment  of Nigerians, particularly the Southwesterners, said the family should not be forgotten.

    According to him, the indelible contributions of the duo to the development of the Southwest region should be communicated to future genetations.

    “We’ll remember Mama Awolowo and her husband for their contributions to education in Nigeria, particularly in the South West.

    “So, for us, it’s  a celebration of life; celebration of ideology and belief in generation like ours and beyond us. We’ll continue to celebrate him; we’ll continue to represent  all he stood for.

    “There is one thing with  our politicians. It is in our ways to make politics out of people’s lives, to celebrate them for political reasons. But I want to counsel that this should not be the case with this family. We should continue to be here; we should continue to stand up.

    “Physically, Awo is gone. Mama is also gone. But they remain in our hearts and we should do everything to sustain this legacy. Not taking pictures alone; not even rushing to Ikenne for today alone. We should remember that for us, Awolowo is an eternity.

    “Our children’s children must hear this. We must give them all the nod rather than come here and dance and show remorse and make politics out of this thing.

    “For me, it’s a great thing to be here. I want to assure everybody that we all have roles to play and the  role that I want to play will be played  well and Ekiti people will join me in playing it well.

    ” I congratulate everybody for a life well lived by the Awolowos and I want to say that the Lord would keep and preserve those they have left behind.

    “We can never, ever forget them. They remain our idols. They have left unforgettable legacies for us and for our children’s children. We love them and we are going to celebrate them. It’s about celebration, not mourning. And God will bless and keep all they’ve left behind.

    “All I’m trying to say is that it should not be a one-off visit where politicians would come around and celebrate. But they leave here, never to return. They only make politics out of this kind of life; that is not the spirit.

    “The spirit is to stay with this family and keep Baba’s legacy within Ikenne and beyond Ikenne and in Nigeria.  He wants us to be together, he wants us to do things rightly and he wants us as a Yoruba nation to remain united,” Fayose said.

  • Anger as tricycle riders mourn their own

    Police deserve respect from the public and the public deserve same from the police.

    This is the view of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni who stressed the need for  partnership between them.

    •Owoseni
    •Owoseni

    Mr Owoseni was addressing members of tricycle operators who were protesting the killing of their member, Mr Godwin Ekpo by a police Corporal attached to the Isheri-Oshun Police Station in Alimosho area of Lagos State.

    The protesters said the death of Mr Godwin in the hand of policemen was one of the many cases in which defenceless Nigerians had been “murdered” by policemen.

    Sometime in the early 80s, the country was thrown into deep mourning for losing one of its high profile athletes, Dele Udoh.

    To many, the concern and emotional outpouring was not just because of the death of the  promising young man but because of the way in which he died.

    Udoh, then a foreign-based athlete, was cut down in his prime by police bullets at a check-point in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos.

    The “slaughter” of Udoh by an overzealous policeman was said to be as a result of an argument that ensued between them at the check-point. The police claimed that Dele’s death was as a result of “accidental discharge”. That was how and when “accidental discharge” became one of the lexicons in the police circle.

    Despite the huge outcry over his death, what has become more worrisome now is that since after the death of the great athlete, many more innocent and defenseless Nigerians have been “murdered” by policemen for little or no reasons.

    Despite efforts by government and police authorities to prevent some policemen from giving the institution bad name, the rate of killing keeps increasing.

    Against the Inspector-General of Police’s and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni’s instruction against mounting of road blocks by policemen, an eight-man team from Isheri-Oshun Police Station in Alimosho area of Lagos, had mounted a checkpoint at Obalagbe bus stop Ijegun, where they allegedly extorted various sums of money from tricycle operators.

    Obalagbe bus stop was the scene of the recent death in the hands of trigger-happy policeman attached to the Isheri-Oshun Police Station.

    Mr Godwin Ekpo, his wife, Idongesit and their two-month-old baby were said to be returning from a church programme at 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday last week when the eight-man police team stopped him and demanded money from him. He told them that he, with his family, was returning from a church programme.

    As he moved to park well, it was gathered, one of the policemen identified as Aremu thought he was running away and fired a shot at the back of the keke. The bullet hit the woman in the neck. Her husband was also seriously wounded. Mrs Idongesit died instantly while her husband was rushed to Igando General Hospital and later moved to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja for treatment; as his condition was said to be critical. The following day, it was alleged that Mr Godwin had also died.

    Enraged by this, members of tricycle operators’ union Ikotun to which Godwin belonged went on protest.

    In their numbers, the tricycle operators that ply the Ijegun-Ikotun route literally shot down Ikotun. They trooped out to the road on Thursday, September 17 to protest what they called frequent police brutality and killing of their members. Their placards explained their grievances. Some read, “Isheri Police, your generation will suffer,” “Stop killing us,” and “We are law-abiding citizens and have rights to life”, among others.

    Tricycle operators protesting police killing of member
    Tricycle operators protesting police killing of member

    One of the leaders of the group, Osas Olobi said when members got wind of the death of their member; they had to gather to protest the killing.

    “Last week at Iyana-Isheri bus stop, a policeman from the same station wanted to arrest one of our members for not giving him N100. As they were dragging over the matter, the policeman opened tear gas canister in his eyes. The man died the following week because he was asthmatic.

    “We are tired of frequent police harassment and embarrassment. They do not allow us to operate freely as stipulated by law. They always extort money from us almost at every bus stop. Each operator spends not less than N2, 500 daily.

    “Some of our members, 13 of them, were arrested and detained at the station for refusing to give them money. One of us called one woman who is a member of a human rights group. When she came, the DPO and his men manhandled and seized her camera and phone.

    “Surprisingly, the DPO himself cocked his gun to shoot the woman and we shouted shoot, shoot so that we will know what will happen,” he said.

    Kabiru Olaoye, one of the operators told Southwest Report that he was at his bus stop (Obalagbe) watching how the policemen were stopping and collecting money from tricycle operators.

    He said: “It was around 10:00 p.m. when the man was stopped by the policemen. The man told them that he was returning from church with his family. The next thing I heard was a gunshot which had killed the wife of our member and seriously injured him.

    “When I saw what happened, I started shouting and some residents quickly formed a crowd at the scene and prevented the policemen from leaving. They cocked their guns. Out of fear, the crowd dispersed and the policemen fled.

    “Today (Thursday), we heard that Godwin, our member had died. That was why we are protesting.”

    Another member of the tricycle drivers association in the area, Nse Okon, said tricycle drivers in the area were being constantly harassed by the police at the Isheri-Osun Police Station, adding that they have a peculiar mode of operation

    Okon said: “Any time an operator is arrested, he will pay at least N2, 000 before he will be set free. I do not know whether we are working in order to take care of our various families or working to feed the police that are being paid with tax payers’ money. They connive with the head of Agbero to extort money from us.

    Operator's receipt of N100 bought at the cost of N1, 300
    Operator’s receipt of N100 bought at the cost of N1, 300

    “Instead of buying the operator’s ticket for the stipulated N100, we buy them at the cost of N1, 300. We are handicapped as government has allowed them to decide our fate. Government should save us from the hands of these Agberos.”

    Southwest Report gathered that policemen at that station were fond of unlawful arrest and detention of drivers who refused to give them money.

    It was also gathered that the protest against the death of Mrs Idongesit who was breastfeeding a two-month-old baby, led to the release of 13 other tricycle drivers, who had been arrested and detained under contentious situations.

    A visit to the Isheri-Oshun Police Station revealed that there were armed policemen in more than five security vehicles. An Armoured Personnel Carrier was also stationed very close to the station.

    The member of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Chinazo Ifechigha, who was allegedly assaulted by the police during the Thursday protest called for justice.

    She accused the DPO of encouraging his men to molest and brutalise the masses that they were meant to protect.

    “Because I refused to compromise my position as a member of a group that defends the defenseless and the voiceless, he said he would disgrace me before everybody.

    “He pointed a gun at me and the crowd dared him to shoot. He then ordered his men to beat me up because I refused to give him my phone. He embarrassed me before the protesters. But I stand firm to get justice for the couple; and I want my phone back.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the incident, said the policeman, Aremu had been arrested and detained.

    Addressing the protesters at Oropo bus stop in Ikotun, Mr Owoseni pleaded with them to be peaceful, adding that justice will be done.

    He added that the DPO of Isheri-Oshun had also been issued with a query for disobeying the Inspector-General of Police’s instruction against mounting of roadblocks.

    He said: “The police are doing all they can to ensure that the deceased’s children are taken care of. The police corporal involved has been taken into custody. When we complete all necessary disciplinary action, he will be charged to court for murder.

    “The team leader and the DPO of Isheri-Oshun Police Station have also been issued queries for disobeying the IGP with regard to policemen performing duties without wearing their uniforms, and without a properly-labelled police van.

    “The Inspector-General of Police does not condone such ugly acts. We at the Command headquarters here frown at it. I have visited the home of the deceased, I have seen their children and we sympathised with them. We will ensure that they are properly taken care of.”

    He also stressed the need for community partnership and mutual trust among the police and the public.

     

  • Atiku, Fayemi, Soyinka, Peterside mourn Mama

    Atiku, Fayemi, Soyinka, Peterside mourn Mama

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Dr. Dakuku Peterside have described the late H.I.D. Awolowo as ‘epitome of honesty’.

    Atiku, Fayemi and Peterside, in statements yesterday, said the late Mrs Awolowo would be missed.

    Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka also mourned the late Mrs Awolowo.

    In a statement, he said: “An Era recedes. As solace, it leaves in its wake a treasured privilege for those who knew her, who experienced her indomitable spirit at first hand, and drank from her depthless fount of family embrace.”

    Atiku, who shares November 25th birthday with the deceased matriarch of the Awolowo family, said he was already looking forward to celebrating her centenary birthday.

    In a statement by his media office, he eulogised the departed YeyeOba Adimula of Yorubaland and ageless national icon.

    He said: “Mama HID (Awolowo) was mother to all and an epitome of honesty, integrity and dignity. She was a rare gem, a symbol of fineness and firmness, a woman of substantial depth on all matters, a devout and dedicated Christian, a successful business tycoon, a faithful and committed wife, and indeed a case-study for current generation of women leaders and those yet unborn.”

    The former Vice President, who is also the Aare Adimula of the Source, described the grandmother of Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), as “an embodiment of primordial and contemporary history, symbol of traditional norms and virtues, a fashionista of repute and stickler to discipline and transparency; whose indelible imprints on the sands of time would be hard to erase.”

    Atiku urged wives of leaders and aspiring female politicians to imbibe and emulate the legacies of endurance, patience, honesty, integrity and dignity that Mama Awolowo, “jewel of inestimable value”, bequeathed to the nation, and the world at large, in the course of her century-old sojourn on earth.

    “I am deeply saddened and immensely touched to lose a mother, birthday mate, generous adviser and matriarchal legend, but glad that I had the privilege to drink from her fountain of abundant wisdom and knowledge.”

    Fayemi commiserated with the family of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; the government and people of Ogun State and the Yoruba race on the demise of Mama Awolowo.

    Fayemi described the death of the late matriarch as a glorious end to a remarkable life devoted to the service of humanity.

    Describing Mama H.I.D Awolowo as a woman of remarkable grace, bravery and strength of character, the former Ekiti State Governor said the late matriarch remained a shining example of loyalty and devotion.

    Fayemi recalled the crucial roles played by the late Mrs Awolowo in providing the right support for the late sage during the period of his political activities and keeping the family together after Awo’s passage as well as working tirelessly for the unity and progress of the Yoruba race.

    He also recalled his many encounters with the late matriarch whom he described as a woman of immense grace who had and demonstrated great passion for the unity and wellness of the Yoruba in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

    Fayemi said: “In all, mama put in her very best and remained for us all a shinning example in leadership, courage and loyalty. Mama’s peaceful passage barely two months to her 100th birthday celebration after a fulfilled life, remains a cause for celebration.”

    “While mama would be missed for her wisdom, candour and as the conscience and custodian of the Awolowo dynasty, the fact that she lived a good life, impacted many lives and left a legacy of honour are sufficient reasons to celebrate rather than mourn her passage.

    “On behalf of my family, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the Awolowo family, the people of Ogun state and Nigerians on the passage of this great woman.”

    Peterside described Awolowo as a great woman of substance said Nigeria will miss her interventions and wise counsel.

    His words: “Among the wives of First Republic politicians, HID was without any doubt, one of the most visible and outstanding women of that glorious era. The sage himself captured her real essence when he fondly described her as ‘My Jewel of Inestimable value’. That apt description, over the years, gave a hint on her real meaning, not just to the Awolowo family, friends and admirers, but to the entire nation.

    “A great Iroko has indeed fallen but like every mortal, she must travel this path. She will be remembered for her resourcefulness and carriage, and for being the pillar behind the great Awo.

    “Without HID, it is very doubtful if Chief Obafemi Awolowo would have become that enigmatic and successful politician who bestrode our nation’s political space for many decades.

    “HID, like Chief Awolowo, will never die. Surely, she will live forever, particularly in the minds of those who benefitted from her husband’s vision in human capital development.

    “She will be greatly missed. And for the living, particularly those in public office, we must all draw from her example of service, consistency and commitment to great ideals. May her soul rest in peace.”

  • Tambuwal, Oshiomhole, Fashola, Orji mourn ‘nation’s mum’

    Tambuwal, Oshiomhole, Fashola, Orji mourn ‘nation’s mum’

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has described the death of Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo as a great loss.

    In a statement, Tambuwal described the matriarch of the Awolowo family as a unique human being whose virtuosity, influence and charisma will be sorely missed.

    The governor urged the Federal Government to immortalise her.

    His Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, described Mrs. Awolowo as an avatar and a “pillar of Christian propriety and fountain of humanism, who was always eager to dispense goodwill to all”.

    Oshiomhole said: “The Awolowo family and the people of Ogun State have lost a good woman, the towering figure who stood strong behind her children.

    “Mama H.I.D was a pillar of Christian propriety and fountain of humanism, always eager to dispense goodwill to all who came to her.

    “Although Mama was advanced in age, we appreciate the depth of the grief of her children and family, knowing how affectionately close and tightly-knitted the family is. Our hearts are with the family at this difficult period.”

    Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said “the nation’s mother has translated to immortality”.

    “I condole with with the Awolowo family at this moment of physical separation and bereavement.

    “No words will suffice to describe how sorely mama will be missed. But I am confident that the memory of mama’s legacy, her national service without a title, and the pride of her life’s work will build bridges of comfort for the family,” he stated.

    The senator representing Abia Central Senatorial Zone, Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, said: “I had looked forward to her 100th birthday in November which would have been announced with pomp and pageantry.

    “I had known Mama over the years as a woman dedicated to her husband. She was in a class of her own. Always working in the background, exhibiting the real meaning of the virtuous woman King Solomon spoke about in Proverbs 31.

    “She was kind to all she came across and was never known to discriminate; rather she treated everyone equally.”

  • Dabiri-Erewa, Ashafa mourn Ayangburen

    House of Representatives member Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Ikorodu Constituency) has condoled with the people of Ikorodu in Lagos State on the passage of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salau Oyefusi.

    She described the ruler as a father figure and symbol of unity in Ikorodu Division, adding that his death is a loss to the traditional institution.

    Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said the late Oba Oyefusi’s reign was eventful, noting that the town witnessed socio-economic and political development. She said the monarch was a source of inspiration to her and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) also commiserated with the Ikorodu people.

    Ashafa said the ruler’s reign strengthened unity among traditional rulers in the state and brought development to Ikorodu Division.

    He said: “Oba Oyefusi was a man of repute, whose impact and influence would be greatly felt by the people of Ikorodu Division and Lagos State. On behalf of the  people of Lagos East Senatorial District, I pray that the Almighty God grants the Oyefusi family the fortitude a time like this demands.”

     

  • Lawyers, friends mourn activist

    Lawyers, friends mourn activist

    Governors, lawyers, activists and friends have been mourning the late lawyer and activist, Mr Bamidele Aturu, who died on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Aturu died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, where he was rushed to when he complained of fatigue and atress.

    Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN) described the late Aturu as a brilliant lawyer and human right crusader.

    He prayed God to give him internal rest and be with the family he left behind.

    Popular lawyer Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN) said: “It is a sad, monumental and great loss to Nigeria, to the Bar and the body of Christ. It’s a great loss indeed.”

    Another friend of the late activist, Richard Oma Ahaonaruogho said: “Aturu died after a brief illness. What a loss to the nation. May his good soul find eternal rest in the Lord.”

    An activist, Richard Akinola said: “Today is a very sad day for me. I am devastated.”

    The Executive Chairman of International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade said Aturu’s death was a sad and terrible loss.

    He said: “It is a terrible loss for someone who identified with the revolutionary causes at the level of students’ and working class movements. It is a great loss to the working class movement.”

    Environmental activist and founder of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) Nnimmo Bassey composed a poem for the late activist.

    Bassey said: “You moved, you moved too fast on this exit path, Comrade. To the brink all mortals must reach, the earth echoes your steps on the canvas of memories. Awake comrades, this is no time to weep. No more Comrade Bamidele.”