Governor Abdullah Ganduje of Kano State, former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff and the Group Managing Director of Stanbic Bank, Demola Shogunle, on Saturday, visited the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, to commiserate with him over the death of his father, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun.
Speaking at the Iperu-Remo residence of the governor, Ganduje eulogised Pa Abiodun, describing him as a great leader, mentor and nationalist.
He added that the governor’s father used his teaching profession to better the lives of many people in the country.
Ganduje further said Pa Abiodun was an accomplished teacher who did not only see to the welfare of his household, but extended the same to those he came across during his lifetime.
“Papa was a great leader, a great mentor and a nationalist who influenced a lot of people in positive ways. He did his best and this has shown in so many ways. I am sure Baba has gone to rest with his creator”, the Kano state governor noted.
He, however, commended Governor Abiodun for his style of leadership and ability to deliver good governance in the state.
“Seeing is believing. When you go round the state, you will see what he has done and I believe he is a very successful governor, he has done a lot for his people and God will reward him for that”, Ganduje pointed out.
He submitted that the deceased passed on at a time when his wealth of experience, advice and guidance was needed most, calling on the family to take solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation.
Senator Ali Modu Sheriff remarked that he was saddened by the death of Pa Abiodun, adding he was happy that the deceased left an enduring legacy through his children who are doing well and a host of other people he impacted upon.
Recalling his encounter with Pa Abiodun over 20 years ago, the former Borno state governor said the deceased was accommodating and straight forward in his approach to life, adding “though I am saddened by his death, I take solace in the fact that life belongs to God and nobody can question His actions”.
Also, the Group Managing Director of Stanbic Bank, Demola Shokunle, described Pa Abiodun as an exceptional teacher whose legacy of impacting knowledge was evidenced in his products that abound across the country and the children he left behind.
In his response, Abiodun thanked the visitors for their words of encouragement, saying that he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotions from people from different parts of the country.
He described his father as a loving man, who was passionate about teaching, saying testimonies of his students have helped to lessen the pain of losing someone so dear to him and his family.
Abiodun noted that everybody has appointed time to depart this world, adding “it is left for an individual to determine how he will be remembered after death.”
Other dignitaries who paid condolence visits to the governor are, Senator Muhammed Dagash, and Nigeria’s foremost musician, Tuface Idibia.