AS SON PLEDGES N1 BILLION FOR EDUCATION IN LAGOS
Otedola’s first son, Femi also used the occasion to make donation of N1billion to support education in Lagos State.
Dangote, Former Governors Pay Tribute to Late Sir Michael Otedola
Among the former governors of Lagos State who were present at the occasion include first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Brig-Gen Olagunsoye Oyinlola(Rtd), Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu(rtd), members of the Lagos State Executive Council as well as prominent community leaders from Odoragunshi,the deceased ‘s hometown ,were alll present at the occasion.
Fashola, who announced Otedola’s donation at the event tagged, Day of Tribute, said the N1billion would be disbursed through Otedola Foundation and would be mainly deployed to provide scholarships for indigent students.
The governor said the state government would work closely with the foundation to ensure that the funds is utilized strictly for the purpose.
“Femi Otedola , the son of late Otedola has requested me to announce that he will be making a contribution of N1billion towards funding scholarships for education in the state. I have told him that our government will work with him and the Otedola Foundation to develop modalities to ensure that that funds achieves its purpose in a most transparent and sustainable manner “he said.
Fashola described late Otedola as a great leader who did so much to promote the interest of the state and its people. “In my view,it is the idea behind his foray into politics that endures beyond his physical contributions “, the governor said.
Fashola described late Otedola as a model of excellence, stressing that his choice of the sobriquet “Centre of Excellence “for the state when he was governor reflected his hunger for excellence.
The governor explained the programme was organized to celebrate the achievements of late Otedola with a view to drawing inspiration to further move the state forward.
Speaking at the event, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, one of the two deputies that served under Senator Bola Tinubu, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye said Otedola’s exemplary leadership would be sorely missed.
“We will miss him greatly .I thank God for his life and for his notable contributions to humanity. He was a distinguished gentleman. May his soul rest in peace“Ogunleye who said he was representing Tinubu said at the event.
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In his tribute, Jakande said Otedola`s demise was great loss and that his records remains imperishable, while Dangote described the deceased as man of dignity who did much to touch the lives of Lagosians.
“His death is a great loss but we thank the Almighty for granting him useful years that were most beneficial to mankind.We shall continue to pray for the repose of his soul“he said.
One of late Otedola`s daughters,Mrs Lola Segun-Idaho described late Otedola as a listening father.
She said Otedola was an epitome of care,discipline and integrity,adding her father would not take what did not belong to him.
“My father was a man of integrity who will not take what does not belong to him.I remember when he was given two vehicles by the state government after he left office as governor.
“We told him you are not using these vehicles ,why don’t you give them out, but he declined, saying the vehicles belonged to the state and not him.
`The two vehicles,a jeep and a car are still parked in his compound in Epe. He was such a honest man“, she said.
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