Dangote, Tinubu, Jakande, Fashola, others eulogies Otedola

• …son set up N1 bn for scholarship grant

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday disclosed that the son of the late governor, Pa Michael Otedola, Femi has pledged N1 billion for educational development.

Speaking at a ‘Day of Tributes’, held in honour of the former governor, at Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island, which was also had in attendance the former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, represented by Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, a former deputy governor of the state, Fashola said that he was a great leaders who did so much to promote the interest of the state and its people.

Also present at the event were former military administrators of Lagos State, Brig-Gen, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu. Former governors of Lagos and Ekiti state; Alh. Lateef Jakande and Mr. Niyi Adebayo. Deputy governor of Lagos state, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, former deputy governor of the state, Alh. Sinatu Ojikutu, the President of Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote and others.

Fashola said that the late Otedola`s strong convictions even in the face of uncertainties made him even more remarkable.

He said the ideological message the late governor sent by leaving his private business to contest the governorship election where the odds were stacked against him meant he was a genius.

Fashola described late Otedola as a model of excellence, saying “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.

Fashola thanked the deceased`s widow, Lady Doja and the rest of the family, for allowing the state government to be a part of what ordinarily should be a family funeral programme.

“He was so discipline and principle that he doesn’t take anything that doesn’t belong to him. He was an Encourager. He will speak to every one of us in our various field of Endeavour. And the R means he is Responsible.”

Sir Michael Otedola, the second executive governor of Lagos state, ruled between 1991 and 1992. He died on May 5, at the age of 88 years, in his hometown, Odoragushin, Epe local government area and would be buried today, Friday, May 30.