Renowned Ekiti-born architect, Chief Isaac Fola Alade, has died at the age of 87.
Chief Alade, who died on Friday, designed and built several iconic institutions in Nigeria, including the National Stadium, Lagos; Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Federal Secretariat Lagos, Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies building, Kuru, Plateau State, among others.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family and friends of the late Alade, “whose imprint on the nation’s iconic structures will continue to inspire younger architects from within and outside the country, leaving a legacy of brilliance and diligence.”
A statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, reads: “The president joins the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Royal Institute of British Architects and Architects’ Registration Council of the United Kingdom in mourning the first architect to become a Permanent Secretary in Nigeria, who also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the Federal University of Port Harcourt.”
The president commiserated with the government and people of Ekiti State over the loss, saying that the late Chief Alade’s contributions to development of the country in design, building and administration will always be remembered by posterity.
He prayed that God would grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family.