The Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) Ikeji Arakeji, Professor Olasebikan Fakolujo, has advised Christians to live a worthy life while alive and also remember that life is transient and can come to an abrupt end without prior notice.
Fakolujo made this call during a commendation service in honour of the late chancellor of the institution, Pastor (Dr) Ademola Odunaiya, held in the institution premises.
According to the VC, life is simply what one makes of it, saying that the most important thing is what will be said after one must have left the world.
Describing the late chancellor as an epitome of discipline and patriotism, Fakolujo said the institution witnessed tremendous stability and progress during the tenure of the late chancellor
He said, “Baba Odunaiya was philanthropist par excellence, a soldier of Christ, a true man of God, a man of conviction, a person of courage, genuine reformer, an astute industrialist, a transformational leader, a caring guardian, a successful family man and above all, a true child of God.
“Certainly, the late Dr Odunaiya will be sorely missed because of his prodigious scholarship, affable personality, and passionate contribution to the development of our great university.
“It is hard to part with a rare gem like you at this particular time. You are a man of many honours, an uncommon philanthropist, an elder statesman and an accomplished entrepreneur.
“Your work in the vineyard of Christ and in JABU in particular is worthy of emulation. You came, you saw and you conquered. We have no doubt that God has called you to eternal rest. You lived a worthy and exemplary life and contributed your own quota to humanity,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, said the memorial service will transit to annual memorial lecture to honour the departed chancellor of the institution.
In his sermon, entitled “Absent here, Present there”, Pastor Stephen Aluko, described the demise of Odunaiya as a lost earth’s loss, and heaven’ gain.
Aluko said, “A child of God has happily returned to his creator. His death is a loss to the earth but gain to heaven. Those who don’t know him will weep but he has joined a greater congregation
“We are here temporarily but will be in final place permanently but while here, we must be a man of purpose and live by faith and God’s reward,” he added.
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