This advice was the crux of the sermon of Venerable Tolu Akinwande, at the 2nd remembrance and patronal anniversary of the matriarch of the Awolowo Dynasty, who transited into glory on September 19, 2015, few days away from her centennial birthday.
The Holy Communion service was held at the HID Awolowo Anglican Church, Ewuga, Sagamu, on Tuesday.
The cleric told the gathering that the couple etched their names in the hearts of Nigerians for their love for the country.
He noted that both Papa and Mama Awolowo lived a disciplined life by being contended with what God has blessed them without amassing wealth at the detriment of the masses.
Akinwande, who is the Sagamu-East Archdeacon in the Diocese of Remo, (Anglican Communion), lauded the Sage for raising eminent Nigerians through his Free Education Policy unlike the same policy being promoted by today’s politicians to raise “thugs.”
He maintained that the couple’s life would continue to be a reference point in many years to come and urged the children to sustain the good legacies left behind by their parents.
The cleric said, “We are gathered here to celebrate the lives of Mama Awolowo and their fruits. Mama after 28 years of Papa’s demise sustained the name and the home. We are celebrating the duo so that we can learn from those qualities that made them a reference point.
“Papa and Mama Awolowo ended well with Christ. They gave out their best to the service of God. This Church is a product of Mama’s service to God while she was here.
“She was the first individual to host the Synod in this Diocese. She was one of those that signed the Deeds establishing the Diocese. We are gathered here today to celebrate their fruits.
“Papa Awolowo was self disciplined all his life, that despite his position as Federal Finance Commissioner no anti-graft agency alleged him of any sharp practices. He raised eminent Nigerians through free education promoted by him unlike the kind of free education policy where teachers could no longer control the students. ”
Speaking on the theme “Attributes of a life that bears and enduring fruits”, and quoting from the Holy Bible: John Chapter 15 verses 1-8, Akinwande explained that any mankind that wants to bear good fruits must have a robust relationship with God; must be connected to God through His words and must be ready to bring the best out of everything.
While giving vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, was full of gratitude to God for the good legacies left behind by their parents.
The Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, said the family had continue to wax stronger since the passage of its matriarch two years ago.
She said, “We want to specially thanked God that everything left by our parents had been kept by the family. The Lord has kept us together because we serve a living God. All has been well with us since she left. We have been multiplied in numbers. To God alone be the glory.”
The co-chairman of ANN Plc, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, described her late mother as a diligent woman who lived her life for others.
Awolowo Dosumu in an interview after the service corroborated her sister, that the family would continue to fly the flag of what the name Awolowo was meant to be.
“Mama carried a very heavy burden and she did so gracefully, even we her children did not realise how enormous the responsibilities were, but we thank God for we are able to soldier on. We thank God for His grace.
“She taught us to know God and that forms the basis of all that we are doing in life. She was diligent. She was full of integrity and a personality who lived her life for others. That was what she and Papa stood for all their lives and that is what we are trying to emulate and carry on.
“We missed her wise counsel. We missed her presence, that is, the very idea and knowledge that she was there and created a kind of shield. It automatically sorted out a lot of issues just by us then that she was there from such issue getting out of hand.”
Dignitaries at the event include Awolowo’s grandchildren, the Alakenne of Ikenne-Remo, Oba Adeyinka Onakade and wife, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinat Ojikutu, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, Aremo Taiwo Alimi, Pa. E.A Osibona, the Iyaloja General of Remoland, Chief (Mrs) Mercy Owolana, Sir (Lady) Lana Odutola, the Liyangu and Shadeke families, Professor Ope Adekunle among others.
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