Osinbajo–Late Mrs Awolowo always stood for Nigeria’s unity

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday eulogised the late Chief Hannah Awolowo, saying she always stood for the unity of the nation all her life.

Osinbajo, who is a son-in-law to the deceased, spoke while commiserating with sympathisers at the Awolowo’s residence in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun.

The vice-president expressed regret that the matriarch, who died at the age of 99, did not live long enough to witness her centennial birthday celebration scheduled for Nov. 25.

He told the gathering that the deceased was a repository of knowledge and a custodian of information who was always concerned about the well being of her loved ones.

“We are in mourning and at the same time in celebration of the life of a woman who stood all her life for the unity of this nation.

“I think that one of the great things that has been said about her was her great love for people.

“She had a personal relationship with practically everybody, those who were her family members and those who were not.

“Mama was always a very caring, devoted and loving mother. She was a woman with so much fortitude, such strength of character and everything that you know about her.

“I pray that with her passage, all will be well with each and every one of us,” Osinbajo said.

The vice-president said Awolowo envisaged a Nigeria where people would not be defined by their tribe but by their interests in seeing the nation prosper without prejudice.

“She lived for this nation, everyday of her life, she wanted to see a great nation and I know that she had begun to see that great nation.

“The evolution of this nation in the past years had shown that we were on the right path and would get to our deserved destination.

“I believe that her memory would best be served by the kind of nation we would want to see – a united nation,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on the vice president’s entourage during the visit were Mr Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the governor of Ondo State.