2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, said, despite “a crowded schedule overseas” attending the funeral of Our Holy Father Pope Francis in Vatican City and his visit to Johns Hopkins University, he still made out time to participate “in the funerals of some distinguished Nigerians whose lives made remarkable impacts on our nation”.
The former Governor of Anambra State attended the funerals of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Leader of Afenifere, and Pascal Dozie, a Nigerian banker and entrepreneur.
He said, Pa Adebanjo lived a “life defined by courage, justice and equity, often fearlessly standing alone on the truth”, while Dozie “whose invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s economic development are well acknowledged; inspired generations of individuals and businesses alike”.
Obi said: “After a crowded schedule overseas that saw me attend the funeral of Our Holy Father Pope Francis in Vatican City and my visits to Johns Hopkins University and California State University in Sacramento, USA, respectively. I returned home to an equally jam-packed program of honouring our fallen heroes.I had the honour of participating in the funerals of some distinguished Nigerians whose lives made remarkable impacts on our nation.
“Firstly was, Pa Ayo Adebanjo — a man whose life can defined by courage, justice and equity, often fearlessly standing alone on the truth. I participated in Pa Adebanjo’s Night of Tributes on Wednesday, April 30th in Lagos. On Thursday, May 1st, I attended his Lying-in-state, alongside other notable Nigerians and his burial on Saturday, May 3rd in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.
“Mr Pascal Dozie, whose invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s economic development are well acknowledged. As a banker and entrepreneur, he inspired generations of individuals and businesses alike. I participated in his Requiem Mass on Wednesday, April 30t,h in Lagos, and his burial on Friday, May 2,d in Egbu, Imo state.
“Chief Dubem Onyia, who once served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was a public servant who distinguished himself with fairness, equity, and honour. I participated in his lying-in-state and funeral mass on Friday, May 2nd in Enugu state.
“On Thursday, May 1st, I attended the funeral service and reception of Professor Olufunmilayo Yetunde Oloruntimehin in Lagosaa, a distinguished scholar and renowned Professor of sociology, whose academic contributions and writings influence were both profound and enduring.
“May God Almighty, who called all of them home, grant them an enteral rest in his kingdom. May their contribution to a better Nigeria and humanity not be in vain, but help us in building the new Nigeria that is POssible.”
Photo: Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, at funeral of Pa Ayo Adebanjo in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. @PeterObi
