The National Association of Nigerian Students; a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi; and the National Vice Chairman, South South of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Pastor Osage Ize-Iyamu, have commiserated with the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on the demise of his Deputy, Funmilayo Olayinka.
They all described Olayinka as a model of leadership that the nation needs at a this crucial period of its development.
They expressed their condolences during their visits to the governor in Ado-Ekiti, just as activities for the state burial of the late deputy governor commenced in Lagos on Tuesday, with a service of songs at the Haven Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
The NANS, led by its President, Comrade Yinka Dada, said the departure of Olayinka was a monumental loss because the deceased was not just a leader but “an agent of positive change.”
Dada said the late deputy governor was a key player in the transformation of Ekiti State and had contributed so much to the development of Nigeria.
He said she should be immortalised so as to encourage upcoming generations to make selfless service their watchwords.
Responding on behalf of Governor Fayemi, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi, said the late deputy governor was an exemplary leader who had served the state well in her life.
Owolabi urged the students to emulate Olayinka’s selfless lifestyle so that they too would be remembered positively.
Ikimi, during his condolence visit to Fayemi, said he was shocked on hearing of the news of the deputy governor’s death because many people were not aware of Olayinka’s ailment since she always carried herself with elegance.
The former minister said her departure is not only a loss to the ACN but also to the women folk whom she had represented with dignity and selfless service.
Ikimi, who also visited the deceased’s parents at their residence, described the late Olayinka as a shining star, articulate, determined and likeable person who has endeared herself to the people virtually everywhere she found herself.
He said: “We are saddened by the death of the deputy governor. She was a shining star and as you know, our party is gender conscious. We are looking for women like her who will take prominent positions in the governments of our states and the nation. She was very articulate, determined and popular, likable person. I know how much support she had given to the Governor, how much work she did for the women in our party across the country. So it is indeed a big loss for us.”
In his remarks, Governor Fayemi reiterated the central roles played by the late Olayinka in the economic development of the state, saying that she was committed to the all-round transformation of the state.
Fayemi recalled the roles played by the late deputy governor in drafting a manifesto for the active participation of women in the polity since the ACN was gender conscious, adding that her memory would be kept alive for all her service to the party, state and women folk.
Meanwhile the week long activities for the state burial of the late deputy governor started with a service of song at the Haven Event Centre, Lagos on Tuesday.
The event, which was attended by family members, friends, colleagues and associates of the late Olayinka, would be followed by a commendation service at the Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday before the event shifts to Ado-Ekiti.
