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Tag: tributes

  • Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championship: Tributes as 47th edition serves off Nov. 30

    Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championship: Tributes as 47th edition serves off Nov. 30

    The good deeds of late Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas cum his immense contribution to sports development in Nigeria overshadowed the press conference to herald the kick off of the 47th edition of the annual table tennis championship tagged Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championship.

    The competition serves off on November 30 to December 4 at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    From the Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu to virtually all the dignitaries that graced the briefing, it was moment of tributes for the late industrialist, who remained the longest sponsor of a sporting event in Nigeria.

    The quality of the personalities that attended the event attested to the fact that the departed business mogul remained in the heart of those who loved him.

    Also some of the players that had featured and won the tournament since inception in the 1960s could not hide their feeling over the good deeds of Okoya-Thomas.

    According to Deji Okoya-Thomas, this year’s tournament would be unique being the first in the last 46 years that the initiator and sponsor would not be addressed.

    Reminiscing on his late father’s wish, he said: “One of his greatest wishes while alive was that the family should continue the sponsorship of the tournament after his demise. We would therefore like to give God all the glory for giving us the enablement to continue this noble legacy.”

    He added: “From this year, the name of the tournament has been changed from Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship to Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championship.”

    As usual, 22 titles would be at stake with the para-event making its third presence at the tournament.

    For the chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu, the state would continue to support the legacy of the initiator of the tournament. He, however, pledged that the commission would unveil its contribution to this year’s edition soon.

  • Tributes to a community leader

    Tributes to a community leader

    Of late, the sleepy town of Usokun in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State has witnessed great influx of visitors from all works of life. This was because of the burial ceremony of the late Madam Skin Igoju, grandmother to one of the Pastors of Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt the state capital, Ibiso Williams.

    Madam Igoju, mother of four daughters, 18 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, passed away during a brief illness four years ago. She was 74.

    In their separate tribute to their late mother, every member of her family praised her rare virtues such as hard work, love, care, forgiving heart and peace-loving among others and wished she was undying.

    Speaking to Niger Delta Report, one of her sons-in-law, Mr. Churchill Gudi described her as mother of inestimable value, who cared and loved her sons-in-law and grand children to a fault. He noted that her memories would remain indelible in their hearts.

    “I missed her very well. She was a mother indeed. She treated me not like her son-in-law but as her direct son.

    “My late mother-in-law was someone who spread happiness and peace wherever she was. Each time she was in my house, my children would remain happy and would not like to play far away from the house,” he said.

    “Mama’s care will be missed forever. Her discipline, pieces of valuable advice, jokes, hard work and dance steps, among other virtues. I wish she had lived longer to reap the fruit of her labour; but since it pleased God to call her home now, we pray that her soul rests in the peace of the Lord,” he prayed.

    Also speaking about her late mother, her last daughter, Mrs Gudi said: “I was my mother’s pet. She cared and loved me so much so that she would not want me to go far from her. My mother was very peace-loving, she didn’t keep malice.

    “Mama loved every of her grand children to a fault.”

    Asked about lessons she learnt from her mother that would keep her going on in life she said: “I learnt so many Godly virtues from my mother such as praying at all times, being happy and spreading same anywhere. In fact, my mother’s religious practice was a big challenge to us her children, and we tried as much as possible to emulate her in fearing and serving God.”

    One of her grand children Ibiso Williams described her grandma as a God-fearing woman who trained her children in a God-fearing way. She was one who cared for the well-being of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended relatives and anyone who came her way. She was a disciplined and peaceful woman.

    “Memories of our late grandmother will forever remain in our hearts,” he said.

     

     

  • Buhari, Osinbajo, others pay tributes as Adefuye is laid to rest

    Buhari, Osinbajo, others pay tributes as Adefuye is laid to rest

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, families, friends and associates on Friday eulogised the virtues of the late Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, who was laid to rest in Lagos.

    The President was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolos Lulu. Expressing the President’s condolence to the family, he said: “Two days ago in Paris, I sought permission from the President to be here. He granted me leave, saying I should come and represent the Federal Government.

    “The closest I got to Prof. was during preparation for the most successful trip of President Buhari to the US and I can say that he was a gentle man who worked very hard.”

    Osinbajo in a brief remark described the late ambassador as one of the best brains Nigeria ever produced.

    Lamenting the demise of the late ambassador, the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahman Bello, said the deceased was “a great Nigerian, a friend, colleague, mentor and research leader.”

    Speaking at the burial, his daughter, Bunmi Adefuye, said: “I thought this would happen when I’m in my 50s or 60s. But even if it had happened at that age,  it would still be this painful. Daddy taught us to love God and serve Him with all our heart. He told us to be the best we could be academically and professionally. He also advised us to be charitable. He was a very generous and kind man. We will miss him.”

    Frontline businessman,  Oba Otudeko, noted that the deceased  was his cousin “and we both grew up in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State. Ade was my friend even though I am older. His death still remains a rude shock. But God permitted his demise because He knows all. He died when the hospital said he was fit to go home. That he passed on afterwards only means that his time was up.”

  • Tributes as Madam Fisisi goes home

    Tributes as Madam Fisisi goes home

    The ancient town of Abalama in Kalabari Kingdom, Asari/Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, witnessed a beehive of activities last weekend as the remains of the late Madam Florence Fisisi were interred. She was 75.

    Family, friends and well-wishers, who besieged the town, described the event as the celebration of the life of a woman who lived well and sacrificed for mankind. They described her as a mother and tutor for all.

    A midday light shower at Abalama failed to deter the crowd that escorted the motorcade carrying her remains from Kpaima Mortuary in Port Harcourt to Abalama. They escorted the body to the All Saints Anglican Church at Abalama, where it was received by seven ministers led by Rev’d Canon Gabriel Eli.

    In an emotional sermon, Rev’d Eli told the guests that the late Madam Fisisi had played her part. He admonished them not to cry for her but to cry for themselves who are still living in the sinful world.

    Rev’d Canon Eli added that having lived a worthy life while on earth, she would find a comfortable rest in heaven.

    “There is no doubt this woman that you are celebrating her life will definitely be on the side of the Almighty God. She played her part very well by obeying the scriptures and putting the word of God in practice. Even before God’s judgment the world has already judged her. She took the path of God and today she is being buried according to the doctrine of the Anglican Communion.

    “All we are praying for her is that heavenly father, by your mighty power and in your love we entrust Madam Fisisi to your merciful keeping in the faith of Jesus Christ your son who died and rose again. That is all; the most important question now is how many souls here would join Mama Fisisi and God in heaven when their time comes?”

    grand daughters and sons of Madam Fisisi
    grand daughters and sons of Madam Fisisi

    Some of the sons, daughters, in-laws and relatives, who spoke to Niger Delta Report, described the deceased who was fondly called ‘Mama’ as a proud Kalabari woman, and belonged to the class of Kalabari women who paid less attention to the tradition of the land due to her religious belief as a devout Christian in Anglican Communion.

    They noted that it was due to her steadfastness in her religious belief that she refused to belong to any organisation in Kalabari kingdom.

    The only organisation she belonged to was the Anglican organisation called Women Guild.  This made her families to bury her according to the Christian principle.

    The first son of late Madam Fisisi, Mr. Sepiribo Peters, an Abuja lawyer, said she was symbolic to him in several ways. “It is a symbol that sounded so much in self-respect and discipline.  It is one name that put me on notice that it is the sky that operates as a limit to the height of success. Otherwise what could a disadvantaged child achieve in life if he has no caring mother?  Her behaviour and care had always functioned in my life as a reminder that casual misconduct in the character of a growing child could be effectively and efficiently prevented from being a bad habit by a vigilant and uncompromising mother.

    “I grew up under her vigilant watch and learnt that good name is better than riches.  I did learn from her that I must not have respect of evil riches but I should rather maintain a consistent contempt for evil and corrupt practices.  What else would the best mother ever teach a male child that my mother did not teach me? I have checked and have not found one. She made me to understand that the key to a successful career in one’s life is by reading and trying to find out what one had not known.  Ironically, she had no western education yet she knew the importance of research.”

    One of her daughters, Mrs. Peters Ignonikonba, said her mother was a woman of peace and wisdom.

    For Mrs. Ine Peters, one of the daughters-in-law, Madam Fisisi was the best mother-in-law on earth. She said the late Madam Fisisi took her as her own daughter when she came into the family.

     

  • Tributes at funeral service of Bristow co-pilot in Calabar

    Tributes at funeral service of Bristow co-pilot in Calabar

    Tributes poured in as the  funeral service for the 26-year-old co-pilot of the ill-fated Bristow Helicopters, which plunged into the Lagos Lagoon on August 12, Peter Kayode Bello, took place at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday.

    The deceased was supposed to have been interred at the Hawkins Cemetery in Calabar, yesterday but his body did not arrive from Lagos as was expected.

    The body was released late yesterday after the ceremony in Calabar.

    A vigil mass, presided over by Rev Patrick Cochran on Wednesday evening, drew thousands of sympathisers.

    Delivering his homily at the mass, Rev Cochran called for support and prayers for the family.

    He said life was a gift from God. At the end, we all return to Him as Peter had,” he said.

    Parents of the deceased, Mr and Mrs Peter and Thelma Bello, said: “We thank God for 26 years, for the wonderful times we shared with you. We thank God for your life and all it meant to us.

    We can only live with these memories. We are confident, blessed that God has better plans for us because He is a good God. Lord, help us to know you more.

    All we wish and pray is that your death brings others to know who God is. God is sovereign. We love you, we miss you. Rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

    Bristow described him as a shining star.

    Base manager of Bristow in Lagos, Captain Ayo Stilo Oni, in a tribute, said tBello was one of the few cadets, who felt comfortable with the controls, especially for his experience.

    “He was never late for flights, never had an excuse not to fly…it was his passion.”

    Others who paid tributes,  praised him for his character and upright personality.

  • Tributes for Aimiuwu

    Tributes for Aimiuwu

    A service of songs/night of tributes has been held for the late former President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chairman, Governing Council of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and Osayuwanoba of Benin Kingdom Dr Lugard Aimiuwu at the City Hall, Onikan, Lagos.  NNEKA NWANERI and OLUCHI IGBOKWE report.

    He stood tall at gatherings, jovial and friendly. The late light complexioned economic affairs analyst and commentator Dr Lugard Aimiuwu was never missed out in a gathering. His traditional attire always stood him out.

    All these have now become memories to cherish by his family members, friends and associates. Last Tuesday, they held a tribute session for him at the City Hall in Lagos. He died on April 16. He was 70.

    The late Aimiuwu was a director of many blue-chip companies, where he contributed his quota to national development.

    Large portraits of the deceased were placed at the venue. Many nodded their heads in sadness. Stricken with grief, the place was graceful and scerene. Death, where is thy sting? They silently asked as they made their way to occupy seats.

    Past presidents of NIM sat  on one side of the front row while the daughter of the deceased and other family members of the late Aimiuwu were on the other side.

    Many songs were rendered to remind all of the eventuality of death.

    NIM President, Dr Nelson Uwaga, in his tribute, said the late Aimiuwu ensured that the country did not fail. He urged all to follow the footsteps the late Benin Chief left behind to ensure the success of the country.

    President of the Nigerian Institute of Directors Prof Yemi Akeju, who described the deceased as a first-choice facilitator, said the late Aimiuwu was an emblem of resourcefulness and humility to the institute and the country.

    Former Minister for Industry, Chief Nike Akande, who grew up with the late Aimiuwu recalled how they played games as toddlers and how the late Aimiuwu participated actively during her 7th birthday. She said they had been friends for the past 60 years and had in all those years known him to be an intelligent and eloquent speaker.

    Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by Victor Durodola described the late Aimiuwu as a brilliant and hardworking professional who contributed a lot to the development of the country.

    Other friends of the late Aimiuwu described him as a professional boardroom guru and doyen of management, who  had a song in his mouth.

    Daughter of the deceased Mrs Keisha Imina Ehigie was proud to know her father was a genius, who never wanted to leave things the way he saw them. “In his eyes, I was great. He was a big inspiration to I and many and I am glad he finished well.” She said.

  • Tributes pour in for Dan Maraya Jos

    Tributes pour in for Dan Maraya Jos

    Nigerians have continued to mourn the passing of veteran musician and performer, Dan Maraya Jos who died last Saturday after a protracted illness at B’ukur, a town near Jos, Plateau State. He was 69 years old.

    A close friend and associate of the deceased, Ladan Salihu, Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) while breaking news of the musician’s death on his Facebook page, described Dan Maraya Jos as a brother and a friend wrote; “I am devastated. But I am proud he lived a very useful life, transforming society through music and silently through Islamic endeavours.”

    Other Nigerians also expressed their condolences to the family of the late musician.

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, expressed sadness and shock at the passing of the legendary musician. Atiku described him in a condolence message from his media office by Mazi Paul Ibe, as “an icon of our traditional music, and custodian of its culture and tradition.”

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs Turaki Hassan, said the North and indeed Nigeria has lost one of its most talented sons.

    “Danmaraya‘s sudden death came to me as a shock and I want to use this medium to condole with the Danmaraya family, the government and people of Plateau State and all Nigerians over this irreparable loss”, the statement added.

    “His death signals the exit of a great icon of African traditional music, a creative innovator in the Hausa musical genre and a great performer par excellence,” said Akin Adejuwon, the artistic director, National Troupe of Nigeria, describing his death as “a great loss to Nigerian traditional music and Africa as a whole.”

    To Benson Idonije, a veteran broadcaster and newspaper columnist, the late musician was “a great musician whose place in the music firmament in Nigeria will be difficult to fill.”

    Also, Dr. Austine Ananze Akpuda, a poet and senior lecturer in English Literature at the Abia State University, Uturu, described ‘Dan Maraya Jos’ death as a huge loss to Nigeria and the entire entertainment industry worldwide.

    “As an artist who created a major brand for himself, he will be greatly missed not only by his biological family but also a network of other communities whose lives have been touched by his performances.”

    Born Adamu Wayya in 1946 to a father who was a Hausa griot, he was left in the care of the Emir of B’ukur; his father’s patron, after losing his parents. He became famed for playing the Kontigi ‘a small stringed lute’ and adopted the name Dan Maraya Jos which means “the little orphan of Jos.”

    A prolific composer, he sang about common people as is found in his first song, “Wakar Karen Mota”, which means Song of the Drivers Mate; probably his most popular song.

    The song praises bus conductors, whose job it is to get passengers in and out of buses, do the dirty job of changing tires, push the bus when it breaks down and so on.

    Though an orphan who did not know his parents, having lost them early in life, Dan Maraya achieved fame and fortune and was a recipient of the National Honours of MON, OON and United Nations Peace Medal.

  • Tributes as college honours Chukwumerije

    It was a moment of tributes and encomiums at the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Umunze, Anambra State, when members of the college community paid their last respect to the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education.

    Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, Provost of the college, led staff and students to the college’s main auditorium, where the event was held. He urged the nation to immortalise the late lawmaker for his contribution to the development of the country.

    Ogbuagu, who described the death of the late senator as a great loss, said Chukwumerije’s interventions in education issues were incalculable.

    He said: “As a Fellow and worthy ambassador of this college, we organised this event in honour of the late Senator Chukwumerije, a political titan and technocrat. He was a shining light and a pathfinder. We will miss his contribution to nation-building, because his death has left a vacuum that would be too hard to fill. He was a consummate and passionate Nigerian, who believed in the peace and unity of the nation.”

    While many may disagree with his views, Ogbuagu said most Nigerians never doubted the late Chukwumerije’s patriotism and commitment to build a peaceful nation for all citizens.

    He added: “As a senator, the late Chukwumerije maintained his typical boldness and most of the time became vocal minority against poor legislative decisions. He ýhad paid his dues for Nigeria in his definitive style over the years. He showed in clear terms that he was a technocrat and a political giant. We pray for the repose of his soul.”

    In her remarks, Lady J.C. Madichie, Deputy Provost, said the best way to immortalise the late icon was to imbibe his principles and virtues for which he lived. “Senator Chukwumerije was a fearless fighter, whose back never touched the sand. We cannot fill the vacuum left by his death,” she said, describing the late lawmaker as a fearless fighter for the interest of the common man.

    The highpoint was a session of testimonies on life and times of the late Chukwumerije. There was also a poetry reading session to celebrate his achievement in literature.

    The late Chukwumerije died on April 19, after a battle with lung cancer.

  • Rain of tributes for Okoya-Thomas

    Rain of tributes for Okoya-Thomas

    A night of tributes/service of songs was held last Wednesday for the late chairman of CFAO Motors, Sir Alexander Molade Okoya-Thomas, a philanthropist, frontline sport enthusiast and socialite. There was an outpour of emotions by many eminent personalities, reports NNEKA NWANERI

    Posh cars made their way to Trinity House, Zion Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos. The occupants were not there for the mid-week bible study. They were expatriates, politicians, captains of industries and business moguls, who came to pay tributes to the late Asoju Oba of Lagos, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas, who died on February 1. He was 79.

    One after the other, they made their way quietly into the church auditorium to honour the late business icon; it was a sober gathering. Two large portraits of the deceased placed at the background of the church altar  caught guests’ attention as they reflected on the messages inscribed on them.

    The late Okoya-Thomas would have joined the octogenarian club next June 8. He was an entrepreneur, socialite, and industrialist. He held many titles, such as the highest honour of the French Citizenry Commandeur de La Legion d’Honneur de France; Bobasuwa of Remoland; Odofin of Ife and the Asalu Oba Oke-Ona Egba. He was also a papal knight of the Catholic Church; and a patron of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation. Besides, the late Okoya-Thomas was honoured with the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

    The event was to celebrate his passage, times, exploits, charity and love for mankind.

    The worship session by the Trinity Voices choir of the church added colour to the event. The songs were moving: “Till we meet again”, “Smile again” and “Holy City”. Many fought back tears, damping their faces with handkerchiefs.

    A woman from Alliance Francaise’ sang a French song before the first daughter of the deceased, Hon Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, read the first bible passage from  Genesis 1:26-29.

    The first set of tributes came from the International Community and related companies.

    The French Ambassador, Marcel Escure,  lauded the beneficial relationship the late Okoya-Thomas established between Nigeria and France. He noted that his heritage will outlive him for a very long time.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CFAO Motors in Paris, Richard Bielle, said the father of the late Okoya-Thomas worked for CFAO for 52 years from 1902. His son, the late Molade for 56 years contributed tremendously to the company, when he joined as an accountant and rose to become its chairman.

    “He will be remembered for his modesty and humility, which endeared him to all. His memory will be missed; his smile so sincere.”

    Country Manager, CFAO Motors, Steve Faderin, described his late boss as a man who loved life and people, thus making him the first choice in national and state assignments.

    “I still see his smile lit up in his face and I hold his life as a beacon I can aspire to be like,” he said.

    Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, in his tribute, said it was a painful, but necessary task. He described the late Okoya-Thomas as a man great in life and in death; a man who never took sides during conflicts, but would always be in the middle seeking solutions.

    Fashola described him as ‘Nigeria’s Sports Minister Emeritus’ for dedicating 40 years of his life to promoting sports.

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the late Okoya-Thomas was a father to her for the past 16 years. She said without him the New Era Foundation, her pet project, would not have thrived.

    The second Bible passage from the book of Psalm 23 was read by another daughter of the deceased, Mrs Toyin Alobo-Bakare, before another set of tributes were paid by deceased’s friends and associates.

    Founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun, said his late friend was a consummate gentleman and an icon of Lagos society.

    “I don’t believe he had any enemies because we knew right from our secondary school days when I was in Igbobi College, I used to hear his name mentioned during loud announcements at sporting events in the 40s. He was a great sportsman with many awards. We grew to be special guests at each other’s events and though in death, his soul goes marching on.”

    Industrialist, Chief Kessington Adebutu, said he met Sir Okoya-Thomas in 1951, when they were new students at the Baptist Academy.

    “MOT as we fondly called him in school, was a great boxer and debater. He was a trusted friend in whom I shared so many intimate things with. He was my number one confidante. Although we spoke a few days before his death, his strong baritone voice gave no indication that he would pass so soon.”

    The Baptist Academy Old Students Association, led by its national president, Chief Olatunde Onakoya led other old boys to sing their school song.

    Family members later took turns to pay their round of tributes.Grandchildren of the late Okoya-Thomas filed out to honour their grandpa. The eldest of them, who spoke on their behalf,  promised that they will continue the good works their grandfather started.

    Son of the deceased, Deji, pledged to continue the legacy of sponsoring the Asoju Oba Cup his father inuagurated and sustained for the past 46 years.

    Hon Okoya-Thomas, who represents Lagos Island at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, recalled a day her father beat her up in her grandmother’s house for not brushing her teeth well. She also noted that because her father was always particular about the family name, she has promised never to disappoint him in politics.

    Mrs Alobo-Bakare said her father was addicted to a particular perfume for 40 years and “always teased me about my weight”.

    Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo gave a brief sermon on what must be done for all to make heaven.

    Also in attendance were: First Lady of Lagos, Dame Abimbola Fashola; APC Women Leader, Mrs Kemi Nelson; Senators Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Florence Ita-Giwa; Sisi Oge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson; Vice President Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs Chief Iyabo Foresythe; Mr Wale Edun; former Lagos State Deputy governor, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.

  • Lagos organises evening of tributes for Okoya-Thomas

    Lagos organises evening of tributes for Okoya-Thomas

     

    To celebrate the giant  strides made by the late Molade Okoya-Thomas, sports philanthropist, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Office of Sports is organising an Evening of Tributes by the Sports Family.

    In a statement issued yesterday, the event will hold at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on  March 3 between 4.00pm to 6.00pm.

    According to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, the late philanthropist was a role model for a lot of Lagosians for his generousity and support for grassroots sports development in the state, adding that he would surely be missed, especially by the sports family.

    Okoya-Thomas’ contribution to sports in Lagos and Nigeria cannot be underestimated as he single-handedly sponsored the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Cup for more than four decades as the longest running table tennis competition in Africa. Before his demise on February 1, he was the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Endowment Fund, served as Chairman on many sports fund raising committees and was instrumental to the formation of Team Nigeria in 2003.