EKITI STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR BURIED

The remains of the late deputy governor of Ekiki State, Funmilayo Olayinka were Friday buried at the newly constructed Heroes Park in Ado Ekiti, amid eulogies. This was after a commendation service at the
Cathedral Church of Emmanuel Anglican Communion, Okesa.
Late Olayinka died on April 6, 2013 after years of unsuccessful battle with cancer. Governor Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Bisi and several prominent Nigerians turned up to give the late deputy governor a befitting burial.
President Goodluck Jonathan in his message to the gathering charged Nigerians to embrace peace, love and unity, “if the country must move forward.” The President, who was represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade said the situation in the country today “calls for the need to work for the
progress and emancipation of the Nigerian nation.” He pointed out the need for Nigerians to show love and be united, “for Nigeria to achieve desirable progress in all spheres.” With love and unity, the country could
overcome its security challenges and become stronger among the advanced country of the world,” said the President.
While describing the death of Mrs Olayinka as unfortunate and premature, Jonathan said the cold hands of death snatched her away at a time her full potential had not been fully tapped.
The President said his government was taking proactive and holistic actions to ensure that it overcomes its security challenges, assuring that the county would get out of the knotty situation stronger.
He said: “With the history of the late Ekiti deputy governor I read, her life represented simplicity, diligence and brilliance, which stood her among her peers”.
Also in his sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh said the problems of kidnapping, militancy, insecurity and corruption continued to fester in the country owing to the priority placed on money. Archbishop Okoh, who was represented by the Archbishop Ecclesiastical, Province of Ondo , Bishop George Latunde Laosebikan blamed the problems of the country on “the
extravagant lives of some of the leaders.” Archbishop Okoh said: “I am happy today because politicians here cut across all parties and they know all the happenings in the nation, particularly the issue of insecurity, political problems and others. I want you to learn from the death of Mrs Olayinka that nobody is too big to die.
“Insecurity of life and property, kidnapping, militancy and corruption will continue to fester because our leaders have reduced everything to monetary value. So, political class has a lot of roles to play at ensuring
that the lifestyles of Nigerians are changed for better, if truly they love this nation. Their
bad lifestyles have permeated every strata of the society. So, the leaders must continue to show good examples to the citizens.”
The governor expressed joy that his late deputy lived a most fulfilled life, saying “though her life here was short, but very eventful, impactful and positive.” Governors present at the church service were Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Ahmed Abdufatai of Kwara State; Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Aliyu Babangida of Niger State.
Former governors at the event included Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of Lagos State; Aremo Segun Osoba of Ogun
State and Segun Oni of Ekiti State.