Akpabio, Abdullahi, monarchs condole with Fayemi over Olayinka’s death

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, has condoled the Government and the people of Ekiti State on the death of the Deputy Governor of the state, Funmilayo Olayinka.
Akpabio described the late deputy governor as one of the greatest champions of gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria and noted that she led an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
He described her as an iconic stateswoman who broke ceilings for women in her lifetime, not only with her political travails but also with her self-discipline,  integrity and patriotism.
He expressed confidence that her remarkable record of achievements will inspire the womenfolk in Ekiti State in particular and the country in general to break more gender barriers and set Nigeria on the path to create a society founded on the principles of true democracy with respect to gender equality.
The Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi; fuji star, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1); and the Association of Market Women in Ekiti State have joined other Nigerians to express their condolence to the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, over the loss of Olayinka.
Abdullahi, who visited Fayemi at the Governor’s Lodge, Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, said the late Deputy Governor was loyal and committed to the vision of the administration, adding that this was evident in the smooth working relationship between the duo.
Abdulahi added that the cooperation that the governor enjoyed from the late Olayinka probably translated to the positive development being witnessed in the State.
He prayed God to grant the government and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss.
Marshal has promised to embark on a musical campaign to orientate women on the prevention of cancer.
The fuji star, who said it is important for the Nigerian government to establish Cancer research centres in the country in order to see the possibility for a headway in the war against the deadly disease, said it is also needful to inform women on the need for regular medical check up as a preventive measure.
On the passage of the Deputy Governor, Marshal said it is sad to have lost “a true democrat, loyal friend and a lieutenant to a darling man of the people at this time.”
Market women in Ekiti State, led by the association’s President, Chief Waye Oso, have also mourned the sudden departure of the Deputy Governor.
In their condolence message, the market women described the deceased as a mother who had made positive impact in their lives, saying her death is indeed a great loss to them and the state.
The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has urged Fayemi to ensure that the vision for the development of the state, jointly conceived with Olayinka are actualised as a befitting memorial for her contributions to the development of the state.
The traditional rulers, led by their Chairman, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Micheal Adedeji Gbadebo, gave the charge during their condolence visit to Fayemi at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.
The late deputy governor superintended over the state ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, among other assignments.
The Owa Ooye noted that the Deputy Governor’s death was a great loss, not only to Governor Fayemi, but also to the entire people of Ekiti and Nigeria as a whole “because of her rare virtues of forthrightness and loyalty.”