Eminent Nigerians, including former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his predecessor in office, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, were among the dignitaries that bade the late Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson farewell.
Her remains were committed to Mother Earth after a funeral service held at the African Church, Cathedral of St. James, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, on Friday.
The Primate of the African Church, His Eminence, Julius Olayinka Abbe, said the late Alaba Lawson lived an impactful life as she was kind and generous to the people, the church, and society.
Iyalode Lawson, according to the Primate, was a defender of the defenceless, a reliable and worthy mother who was not only interested in the welfare of her biological children but in anyone who crossed her path during her life.
Taking his text from the Book of Matthew, verse 8, the Cleric decried the attitude of some wealthy individuals who care less about the well-being of others, noting that the late Alaba Lawson, apart from being a well-known educationist, an industrialist with a wide network of connections, was a beacon of hope.
He added that her death has created a big vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
He called on the wealthy and those in authority to work towards alleviating the sufferings in the land brought about by the removal of subsidies on petroleum products, saying many people are struggling to survive due to the hardship.
Governor Abiodun said that the late Lawson left a legacy that would be a reference and an inspiration to generations yet unborn.
He noted that the late educationist life and times are inspiring narratives of great accomplishments.
According to the governor, as the first female president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), former Chairman, Board of Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Fellow and Council Member, Institute of Directors, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigerian Quality Infrastructure Forum, among others, the deceased dedicated her life to serving the nation, Ogun State, and society at large.
He added that her accomplishments are extraordinary and challenging to replicate.
The governor said: “Chief Alaba Lawson was a woman of remarkable achievements, leaving indelible marks and lasting impact, not just in our dear state but throughout the entire country. She was a great philanthropist who garnered numerous accolades throughout her life, and her contributions to society were immense.
“The Lawson family of Abeokuta has lost a true gem, and the Association of Academics in Nigeria mourns the loss of a distinguished member with exceptional intelligence. Her eventful life will continue to inspire many, especially the younger generation.”
He described the late Alaba Lawson as the cultural ambassador who held on to her roots by promoting the cultural values and the Adire fabrics wherever she went, adding that as an advocate of women’s rights, she was fearless and tireless and was always ready to sacrifice for the benefit of society.
Mrs Lawson, the governor emphasised, was a loving mother to her children and those of others, saying she lived an impactful life and was a strong supporter of the present administration, assuring that his administration would do the needful to sustain her legacy.
“We, as the government, will do the needful in sustaining your legacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to ensure that we sustain the legacy of our own dear Iyalode Oluwaseun Alaba Lawson,” Prince Abiodun said.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the Ogun Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo; former deputy governors Salmot Badru and Yetunde Onanuga; the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Yemi Sanusi; Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi; and Ogun government functionaries, among others.
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