President Goodluck Jonathan has described the death of the Publisher of the Tribune Newspapers, Chief Oluwole Awolowo as sad and painful.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
Jonathan noted that the late Awolowo was a distinguished evangelist, humanist and community leader.
He also described the decease as a worthy and honoured member of the Awolowo dynasty, who diligently served God and humanity to the best of his ability.
The President commended Awolowo’s steadfast, life-long commitment to upholding, maintaining and continually improving the Tribune newspapers.
He said the deceased ensured that the Nigerian Tribune and its sister publications remained relevant in Nigeria’s media space and continue to offer invaluable services to the nation.
“It is not a mean feat to have sustained the Tribune newspapers over the years,’’ the President said in praise of the late scion of the Awolowo family.
On behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government, Jonathan extended his heartfelt condolences to Chief Awolowo’s immediate family and the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Mrs HID Awolowo.
He also commiserated with other members of the family, the Ikenne community, the management and staff of Tribune newspapers, as well as the people and government of Ogun.
The president prayed that God would console the bereaved and grant the soul of Chief Oluwole Awolowo peaceful rest. (NAN)
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has expressed shock at the demise of the Vice Chairman of Tribune Newspapers, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, stating that he has lost an elder brother.
In a statement by Felix Ofou, his press secretary, the governor also noted with concern the impact of the death on the matriach of the family, Mama H.I.D. Awolowo.
Governor Uduaghan described the late Oluwole Awolowo as a humble, easy going and focussed personality who spent almost his entire life for the good of humanity.
“Not once throughout my continued encounter with him did he betray emotions of being born with a silver spoon. Unless you are told, you won’t know he was the first son of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was simple, humble and very focussed. He was not one to be associated with triviality”, he added
The Delta Governor said the junior Awolowo helped to cement his relationship with Mama H.I.D such that today he can boast to be among the very few recognised by the matriach as one of her children.
“It is against this backdrop that I am concerned about the impact of the death on Mama. Though she has demonstrated strong and unqualified resilience in the face of adversity, I am bothered at this twist of fate”
he noted.
Uduaghan expressed condolence with Mama, the Awolowo family, the Nigerian Tribune and the Ogun State Government affected by the death and prayed God to grant repose for the soul of the deceased.
Also,Former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni has described the death of Oluwole Awolowo as painful and a great loss to disciples of the sage, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, praying for the repose of his soul.
Oni, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Lere Olayinka said, “I just received the painful news of the passing onto glory of our big egbon, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, scion of the family of the sage,Chief Oluwole Awolowo and Publisher of the Tribune titles.
“No doubt, the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo is painful and a great loss to the entire Awolowo dynasty and, to us, his aburos especially myself who continue to cherish his love and affection, and I pray for the repose of his soul.
“Egbon’s love for people, his concern for truth, and justice and his ‘unbreakable’ steadfastness with Christ through prayers, which he never failed to offer whenever we come to visit, will remain evergreen with us.
“On behalf of my entire family, I mourn the departure of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, a great man, a Patriot, a Politician, a Peacemaker and a man of prayers.
“I pray that the Almighty will strengthen our Mama, the entire family and the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune newspapers in this difficult moment.
“May his amiable soul rest in perfect peace.”