Oyediran like Awolowo represented true, selfless leadership ― Soji Akanbi

Immediate past senator representing Oyo South, Soji Akanbi has praised the late Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran for constantly representing the ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo through her true and selfless leadership, professionalism, honesty, loyalty to the Yoruba nation and patriotism to Nigeria.

Contained in a condolence message, Akanbi added that the late Oyediran lived up to the great responsibility foisted upon her by being Awolowo’s daughter through her maintenance of high standards and excellence in all she did.

Expressing shock at the demise, Akanbi also lauded the late eldest daughter of Awolowo for her constant support for investments in education.

In this light, Akanbi asserted commitment to the preservation of the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in education through support funding of education.

He stressed that this commitment was also in honouring the importance that the late Oyediran always gave education.

“I received with shock, the news of the sudden passing away of Mrs Omotola Oyediran, the Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune and first daughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“Mama Oyediran, just like Baba Awolowo, represents true and selfless leadership; the type our generation needs and should be enjoying for a very long time. This is why I am particularly pained by her death at a time like this when Nigerian youths are going through their toughest time.

“Being born of the great Awo brings a great responsibility to maintain high standards in almost everything and she excelled at this.

“Along with her husband, the foremost Professor of Preventive & Social Medicine, and Administrator, Allen Bankole Oladunmoye Olukayode Oyediran, they have built their own legacy of professionalism, honesty, loyalty to the Yoruba nation and patriotism as Nigerians.

“I remember her words to me on September 18, 2017, at Methodist Basic School, Agbeni, Ibadan, when we handed over reconstructed buildings and school infrastructure to the management of the school.

“While appreciating our investment in education and particularly our efforts in sustaining the legacy of the first Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, she explained how important education is to the future of our dear nation.”

She highlighted how excited she was that a Muslim like me would surrender myself to advance works in the Christian community and how we must all rise above religious differences to prioritize humanity and do good.

“Her words still ring loud in my mind and I hold them closely to my heart. Just like her father, Baba Awolowo, she will remain an everlasting light, for her wisdom, leadership, mentoring and great examples in the media and education sector.

“As I promised you Mama, I will remain committed to my promise to preserve the heritage and investments of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in education through support funding of education.

“My wife whom you fondly called your adopted daughter and I are deeply saddened. Our hearts are heavy but we take solace in the good works Mama has done and in the legacy of uprightness and love for humanity which will keep us going and inspired to do more for humanity.

“On behalf of my family and the progressive people of Oyo state, I sympathize with the husband, Prof. A. B. O. O. Oyediran and children of the late Mrs Omotola Oyediran, the entire family of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as well as the management and staff of Nigerian Tribune,” Akanbi said.

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