Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, raised the hope that Nigerians would overcome the present economic challenges, urging them to keep hope alive.
The governor however, noted that there was no pretence about the present hardship the country is going through, stressing that it had been tough economically for Nigerians, adding that the hardship did not start in recent years.
Governor Makinde gave the assurance in Akure, Ondo State capital, while speaking at the funeral Service organised for Madam Victoria Ajoke Adedayo, the late mother of the Nigerian foremost, columnist, Dr Festus Adedayo, held at St. Michael Christ Apostolic Church, Okelisa, Akure.
While commiserating with the people of Ondo State on the demise of their former governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor Makinde said that the challenges the nation was facing were inevitable.
“The challenges that we are facing as a nation are inevitable. Things are indeed tough for us economically. But I want to ask you this; don’t give up. Let us encourage one another and this period shall pass,” the governor counselled.
Governor Makinde added that he promised to attend the funeral ceremony because of the late “Mama Adedayo, who gave Nigeria Festus Adedayo deserves every honour we can accord her”.
Describing Festus Adedayo, the deceased’s first child as a “professional to the core”, the Oyo State governor noted that it would only take a woman with visions to raise good children as the late Mama Adedayo had.
The funeral service was a collection of stars from all walks of life.
Besides Governor Makinde, others present at the event we’re the former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Makinde’s deputy in his first term, Rauf Olaniyan; Senator Teslim Folarin; the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Edward Dickson and his wife, Mrs.Olubunmi Dickson; Editor, Saturday Tribune, Dr Lasisi Olagunju; the prolific female columnist and former Commissioner for Information, Osun State, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and Babas Oduyoye.
Other dignitaries included: Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; Dr Bode Olajimoke; Chief Mike Dada; Mr. Kashim Gbadamosi (SAN); Justice Solomon Akinteye (Rtd); Dan Nwoye; Uche Anichukwu; Dr Ruben Inwusi; Habib Haruna and Justice Owoyemi (Rtd).
The Deji of Akure, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ovunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, was also in attendance alongside the Onpetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran.
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