Tag: mourn

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has described the death of former Plateau State Governor Micheal Botmang as “the end of a glorious era”.

The Chairman of the forum, Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, in a statement yesterday, described the late Botmang as “a true servant of the people, whose commitment to the progress of his people was never in doubt”.

The forum said Botmang’s death came at a time when his guidance and advice were most needed.

It said it was comforted that the values he left behind, which will serve as a guiding light to the present and future generations.

The forum said: “From Botmang’s days in the private sector, through his stint as deputy governor, governor and in retirement, the former governor remained with the people.”

It urged the Plateau State government to honour the late Botmang’s memory to serve as an inspiration to the younger generation.

The forum prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed and give his family and the people of Plateau State the fortitude to bear the loss.

Governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo State), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo State) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State) have mourned the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II, who joined his ancestors yesterday.

The late Oba Adesida was 63.

Mimiko said: “The tiger has fallen into a deep sleep.”

In a statement by his media aide Eni Akinsola, the governor said: “The news of Oba Adesida’s demise was shocking to the marrow, not because we do not know of the eventuality of death, but because he was vibrant, agile, and had an aura of health and life around him.

“He was a true leader and a devout servant of God. He wrote his name in gold in the history of Akure Kingdom and the state within his short reign. The people have lost a great father, whose love for the kingdom is unparalleled.

“We are yet to come to terms with this sad news and fathom the gap his demise will leave in our lives. The tiger has fallen into a deep sleep. This elephant has fallen. Oba Afunbiowo II has gone to the place of his forebears. We mourn him; we will miss him.”

Mimiko prayed to God to grant the monarch’s family and subjects the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ajimobi commiserated with the people of Akure and the Ondo State government

He said the late Deji was a good monarch, who would be sorely missed by the people and his friends.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said: “I am indescribably shocked by the passing of the highly respected monarch. He was my personal friend of many years and I confirm the words of encomium that are being showered on him for the wonderful leadership he offered the people of Akureland and Ondo State in general during his brief reign as the Deji.”

He regretted that the Deji had to pass on at this time when Akureland and the state needed his reputed wisdom and “widespread social tentacles”, which he was employing to uplift the state.

Ajimobi said the people of Oyo State and the state capital would miss the monarch, who lived in Ibadan for decades.

He said: “He was our good son, who happened to have come from the royal lineage of Akureland. He was a man who never belittled his friends and treated all equally. We will miss his gentle kindred spirit and love for his people.”

Ajimobi prayed for the repose of the late Deji’s soul.

Amosun in a statement by his media aide, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, commiserated with the royal family of Ojijigogun, the government and people of Ondo State.

He described news of the Deji’s death as “shocking”.

Amosun said: “He was a true patriot, who served his people well. Our sincere condolences and sympathy are with the government and people of Ondo State, and the Ojijigogun royal family at this sad time.”

Amosun prayed God to grant the soul of the late monarch eternal rest and the royal family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Akure National Union, Ibadan chapter, cancelled its monthly meeting to honour the monarch.

In a statement by its President, Prof. Abiodun Ayodele of the Department of Botany, University of Ibadan (UI), the union described Oba Adesida’s passage as a monumental loss to Akureland, Ondo State and Nigeria.

It said the late monarch was an embodiment of humility, love and passion for the development of the ancient city.

The union said: “Sons and daughters of Akureland are very shocked at the news of the passage of our king. He was well respected and revered. We had very robust relationship with him as he was one of us while sojourning in Ibadan.”

Ayodele said Akureland witnessed tremendous progress during the late Oba Adesida’s short reign.

He cited the renovation of the palace and the modern development he has brought to the traditional institution, especially the building of a new palace, a mosque and a church inside the palace, as some of his achievements.

The union noted the late monarch’s efforts to transform the palace into a tourist centre.

It said: “We commiserate with all sons and daughters of Akureland, the Akure Traditional Council and the governor on this transition. May God give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

 

President Goodluck Jonathan, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and his Ondo State counterpart, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, have described the death of the late pro-democracy activist, Dr. Oluwide Omojola, as “a big loss”.

The late Omojola slumped and died in his hotel room in Akure, the Ondo State capital, last Friday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President yesterday commiserated with the government and people of Ondo State.

He described the deceased “as a patriot and indefatigable advocate of good governance, who dedicated his life to the pursuit of social justice and a better life for others”.

Jonathan said the late Omojola was faithful to the cause of justice, equity and progress for all Nigerians till his death.

He urged people to emulate the late Omojola’s “exemplary dedication and patriotism, which he showed in journeying to Akure to make a submission on the coming national conference at the advanced age of 75”.

Jonathan said the late Omojola’s associates can honour his memory by ensuring the success of the proposed national conference, “which the deceased was committed to”.

He prayed for the repose of the late Omojola’s soul.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Fayemi described the late Omojola as one of the champions of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said the late Omojola stood out among patriotic Nigerians, “who worked tirelessly to chase the military usurpers out of power”.

Fayemi described the late Omojola as a dogged fighter, whose commitment to revolutionary change in the country was unparalleled.

He said the deceased pursued the cause he believed in and encouraged younger people to join the struggle to enthrone democracy.

Fayemi said the late Omojola inspired him and other activists “in the heat of the battle” to revalidate the result of the June 12, 1993, election.

He said: “Baba played a prominent role in the struggle to revalidate the result of the June 12, 1993, election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. He was everywhere in the streets – at press conferences and meetings – to demand the return of the people’s mandate.

“This great man further showed the stuff he was made of during the dark days of the Abacha junta. He led street protests in Lagos and other cities, demanding a return to democracy.

“After democracy was restored, the late Baba Omojola kept up the struggle to save the common man from the anti-people policies of the successive administrations. His death has depleted the ranks of committed democrats and selfless patriots, who toiled to give us the democracy we all now enjoy.”

He described the late Omojola as a “committed, bold and resourceful human rights crusader and nationalist”.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, Mimiko said the late Omojola’s death was “an unfortunate departure from the fast depleting tribe of genuine rights activists and nationalists with conscience”.

He said: “The late Baba Omojola represented the best of the generation of human and political rights activists, who never compromised in the face of serial treachery and consistent oppression of the ruling class.

“He was dogged, committed, resourceful and unwavering. His was a life lived in moral decency, material modesty and social and political relevance. He was brave, bold, strong and reliable. He will be sorely missed.”

Mimiko urged the deceased’s family to be consoled by their patriarch’s legacies.

A pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), also commiserated with Nigerians on Omojola’s death.

In a statement yesterday, the group said: “It was with hearts filled with grief that we received and confirmed the demise of Baba Omojola, our brother and compatriot in the struggle for the liberation of the common man in Nigeria.

“Though not a rich man, Baba was philanthropic in his life time. He gave all he had to humanity. He shared the little he had to promote the cause and wellbeing of the under privileged. Baba was a sage of a peculiar ‘ORDER’, which made the development of man the centre of his life struggle.

“As a rare gem among freedom fighters, we know his position will surely be difficult to fill at this crucial time in our national history. Alas! He died after presenting a powerful paper in Akure on a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) for Nigeria. We will miss you Baba; the Yoruba Nation will miss you, but our consolation lies in the fact that you did not live a wasted life. We pray that your soul will rest in perfect peace. Adieu Baba!”

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji said: “The bitter news of Baba Omojola’s death come to me and my colleagues at the Lagos Assembly as a great shock, which we still find hard to believe.

“Considering his immense contributions to charting a course forward for our troubled country, it is saddening that we lost him at this time, when more of his like are needed to help salvage the nation from imminent collapse.

“It is on record that he was among the first proponents of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) in Nigeria. It is sad and ironic that his passing to the great beyond happened in Akure, where he had gone to present a proposal on the way forward at the inaugural sitting of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference on behalf of the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO), which he co-founded with some notable Nigerians some years ago.

“Notwithstanding the fact that we have lost Baba Omojola to the cold hands of death, he will be remembered as one of the most patriotic and foremost fighters for the emancipation of our country. He shall be sorely missed.”

The Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF) yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the plane crash bearing the remains of the late former Ondo State Governor Segun Agagu.

The forum described the crash as a national tragedy.

NSGF’s Chairman and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash to prevent a recurrence.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, said: “Far from the rituals of mourning the victims of air mishaps and ordering a probe, this latest crash must not be allowed to go the way of the previous ones.

“The safety of the flying public must be of paramount importance to those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring safe air travels, and no stone should be left unturned in ensuring this.”

The Forum condoled with the government and people of Ondo State, the family of late governor and the families of those who died in the crash.

It prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss, grant the deceased eternal rest and quick recovery to the injured.

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji also mourned the victims of the Lagos crash.

The governor described the incident as devastating.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukw Emezue, the governor said he had not come to terms with the sad incident, which has thrown the nation into mourning.

Orji said the plane crash had brought grief to several families in the Southwest.

The governor sympathised with his Ondo State counterpart, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

He urged Mimiko to be strong in the face of the tragedy.

Orji also extended his sympathy to the Agagu family and the families of those who died in the crash.

The governor noted that the plane crash had caused another trying moment in the nation.

He said Nigerians should continue to pray for the repose of the souls of the crash victims.

Orji also prayed God to avert a recurrence.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun expressed disbelief and shock.

The governor sympathised with those who lost their loved ones in the ill-fated flight.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, the governor described the crash as “a national tragedy”.

He added: “I join the entire nation, especially the government and people of Ondo State, in lamenting this disaster.”

Amosun called for a thorough investigation to prevent a recurrence.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The Osun State Government ordered the flag to be hoisted at half-mast for three days, from today, in honour of those who died in the crash.

It urged the people of all faith to devote the three days of mourning to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead and speedy recovery of those injured.

A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, quoted Governor Rauf Aregbesola as saying that the plane crash was “a national tragedy”.

The statement reads: “In honour of those who died in the crash involving the plane conveying the remains of the former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, in Lagos today (yesterday), Governor Aregbesola has declared three days of mourning in the state.

“The governor has enjoined people of all faith to devote the three days of mourning to intensive prayers for the repose of the souls of the dead and prayers against such calamities in our state and our region in the future.

“The governor expressed regret over the tragedy, describing it as a calamity to all Nigerians.”

Aregbesola said: “This is indeed another national calamity in the history of our nation. The aircraft, an Associated Airline, with 20 passengers on board, I was informed, crashed immediately after take-off.

“That it happened at this time makes it even more tragic and painful, because the people of this nation are still basking in the euphoria of our 53rd Independence anniversary.

“I feel pained that, having lost a gentleman, a politician and a redoubtable academic in Agagu, we should still be bereaved of those conveying his remains to his last resting place.

“I offer my heart-felt condolence, on behalf of myself, the people and Government of Osun State to Agagu’s immediate and extended family, the government and people of Ondo State and Nigerian President over this sad development.”

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu described the plane crash as a double tragedy.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, the senator said the incident was a “shock” because of the progress the nation had made in repositioning the Aviation sector.

According to him, upgrading in the sector includes recent improvement in Aviation safety.

Ekweremade urged influential Nigerians to pray for the nation.

He said: “This comes as a shock, and it is indeed a double tragedy, not only for the late Chief Olusegun Agagu’s family, the government and good people of Ondo State, but also for the entire nation.

“I feel most saddened by this unfortunate incident and I send my heart-felt condolences to the affected families. I pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of all those who died in the plane crash.”

The Deputy Senate President advised Nigerians to pray for the nation, adding that Nigeria needs divine intervention, besides the government’s efforts to mitigate such occurrences.

Vice chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, called for an urgent overhaul of the Aviation industry to prevent incessant loss of precious lives of Nigerians.

Sen. Lanlehin described the incident as most shocking and very devastating.

Lanlehin in a statement issued by his media aide, Olawale Sadare, said such incident might have been prevented if proper checks had been carried out by those saddled with the responsibility of certifying planes for safe flight in the nation’s air space.

“The crash, no doubt, has left another sad chapter in the history of Nigeria. However, it was reported that the incident occurred as a result of engine problem developed by the ill-fated plane but one would want to ask how it was passed for flight by the aviation engineers at the airport because it had barely set out before it came down in flames.

“To this end, thorough investigations have to be carried out to ascertain what led to this particular crash while those found culpable should be made to face the music. Above all, the nation’s aviation industry needs total overhaul as we cannot afford to be losing precious lives to air crashes every time.”

Senate President David Mark in a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Kola Ologbondiyan described the incident as a double tragedy.

“This is more than double tragedy. It is sad. It is disheartening. This is death too cruel.

“This is one tragedy that a man is tempted to question the essence of human existence. But as ordinary mortals, we lack the locus standing to question our creator.

“In all circumstances, we give thanks to the Almighty. May God’s wish be done,” an obviously depressed Senate President stated.

Mark said the Senate shared in the pains and grief of Nigerians on the incident.

He prayed God to give the nation especially the immediate families of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

Mark also prayed that the souls of the departed rest in peace.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi condoled with Ondo State Government and the family of the late Agagu on the crash.

Dr Fayemi described the incident as a tragic end of relations and mourners, who were on their way to pay their last respects to the late Dr. Agagu, whom he described as a decent politician.

In a statement signed by his chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, the governor described the crash and the attendant death of relations of the deceased as unfortunate and depressing, adding that it was a “calamity of unimaginable proportion”.

He said the crash had aggravated the grief of the government and people of Ondo State and the Agagu’s family.

The governor said he was shocked by the fact that the victims died while deeply involved in the burial activities of the Dr. Agagu. He said the crash, coming at a time the family of the late governor were yet to come to terms with his death, was most unfortunate.

Dr. Fayemi called on the relevant agencies of government to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.

He prayed that the nation would never witness such a cycle of disasters again.

Dr Fayemi prayed for quick recovery for these got injured and the peaceful repose of the souls of the dead.

He said his thoughts and those of the government and the people of Ekiti State are with the government and the people of Ondo State at this “very trying moments.

“This is a very sad day indeed and quite unfortunate. We share in the pain of this huge loss with our brothers and sisters in Ondo State. Our prayer is that God will console the families of the victims of the crash and heal the wounds.”, the statement added.

Former Ekiti State Governor Chief Segun Oni has described the death of ex-Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu as a big loss.

Reacting to the death through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lere Olayinka, he said: “This death has robbed us of one of the finest gentlemen, intellectuals and patriots in Nigerian politics.”

Oni went on: “This death has left me sad. I am short of words. Right now, all that we can do is to pray for the family.

“It is my prayer that the good Lord will grant the deceased eternal rest and grant his family, we his associates, members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State and the indigenes the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

Former senator representing Ekiti North, Ayo Arise, said the death was “a monumental and tragic loss not only to the people of Ondo State, but also to all Nigerians.”

He said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti that Agagu’s family, friends, associates and the people of Ondo State, especially members and supporters of the PDP should take consolation that the former governor lived a model and fulfilled life.

Prince Dayo Adeyeye, a PDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, described Agagu’s death as “a terrible loss to the country,” adding: “The nation’s political space, especially the PDP, will miss him dearly.”

Adeyeye, who commiserated with the Agagu family, government and people of Ondo State, members and supporters of the PDP in the state and Nigeria said: “It is only God that can console us for this painful loss.”

 

Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Buruji Kashamu, yesterday mourned the death of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

Governor Amosun said it was regrettable, sad and depressing that Agagu, the former Aviation minister, died at a time the nation ought to be tapping from his wealth of experience.

The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, described Agagu as an experienced intellectual, a skilled politician and a committed public servant.

The statement reads: “There is no doubt that the experiences Dr. Agagu acquired all through his dedicated service to the nation in diverse spheres of life is what is needed at this crucial time when we are charting the road map for an enduring democratic rule as well as a durable foundation for the socio-economic emancipation of our people.

“Former Governor Agagu’s services to humanity whenever he was called to serve is exemplary and this is no doubt the example, which every Nigerian, particularly public servants, should follow.”

Amosun, however, took consolation that the late Dr. Agagu lived a fulfilled life, having excelled in all assignments he was called upon to undertake.

According to him, the nation would forever be grateful to him because he worked tirelessly in mobilising the people for its development till his untimely death.

He commiserated with Dr. Agagu’s family and the people of Ondo State, but asked them to take consolation that the history of Nigeria cannot but include his name in the list of statesmen, who contributed significantly to the growth of Nigeria.

Also in a separate statement yesterday, Kashamu said the death of Agagu was “most unfortunate and painful.”

The chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Mr Lolu Akinwunmi has described as “ a shock ” the death of Pa Chinyelugo Anyibuofu Megafu, founding Chairman and Chief Executive of Nigerian Advertising Service (NAS) Limited.

The late Megafu was a pioneer and senior practitioner in the out-of-home advertising profession and business, adding that he was an innovator reputed to have modernised outdoor advertising in Nigeria. “He was one of those who helped and worked very hard to introduce innovations in the industry. He was industrious, forthright and honest in his business engagements,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Charles Chijide, President of the Outdoor Adverting Association of Nigeria (OAAN), said: “He was one of the founding fathers of OAAN and his legacies in the industry are very much intact. His death calls for celebration because he died fulfilled at the ripe age of 87.”

The late Pa Megafu died on July 26. He founded NAS in 1958; the company ranks among the leaders in the industry in Nigeria. His remains, it was learnt, will be buried on Saturday.