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Buhari, Governors, Others Mourn
The matriarch of the Awolowo family,
Hannah Idowu Dideolu (H.I.D.) Awolowo, is dead.
She passed on Saturday at her country home in Ikenne, Ogun State, two months to her 100th birthday.
The wife of the charismatic Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was born on November 25, 1915. Her husband died on May 9, 1987.
He once described her as “my jewel of inestimable value”.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Henry Dickson of Bayelsa State, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti and Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and many prominent Nigerians have continued to mourn the death of the woman that has remained relevant in the country’s political history even after the passage of her husband.
She passed on Saturday at her country home in Ikenne, Ogun State, two months to her 100th birthday.
The wife of the charismatic Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was born on November 25, 1915. Her husband died on May 9, 1987.
He once described her as “my jewel of inestimable value”.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Henry Dickson of Bayelsa State, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti and Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and many prominent Nigerians have continued to mourn the death of the woman that has remained relevant in the country’s political history even after the passage of her husband.
In a statement signed by his Special
Adviser, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari, said the
nonagenarian would be remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar
of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage.
According to the statement: “President Muhammadu Buhari has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Dideolu Awolowo.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Buhari extends sincere commiserations to the children, grand children and great grand children of the “Jewel of Inestimable Value” on the death of their famed matriarch, just a few weeks before her hundredth birthday.
“The President joins them and millions of admirers of her late, revered husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in mourning Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo who will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage.
“President Buhari believes that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will always be honoured too for the indelible legacy of very significant, behind-the-scene contributions to communal, state, regional and national development which she has left behind.
“The President prays that God will comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.
“He also prays that the Almighty will receive the late matriarch’s worthy soul and grant her eternal rest from her long, earthly service to her renowned spouse, family, community and country”.
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State said he received the news with shock, given the fact that family members were already planning for her 100th birthday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Bayelsa State, Governor Dickson commiserates with the immediate and extended families on the death of Mama who was the matriarch of the great Awolowo family. It is unfortunate that Mama died at a time when she was just getting ready to celebrate her hundredth birthday.
“The Countryman Governor also commiserates with the Ogun State Government and the good people of Ogun State for this great loss.
“While we mourn Mama’s passage, we take solace in the fact that she left a worthy legacy behind, as Mama H.I.D will no doubt be remembered and celebrated as a woman of uncommon strength and virtue who stood by her late husband and was able to sustain Pa Awolowo’s incredible political legacies and values.
“Governor Dickson prays that God grants the family the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace”.
Also, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said he was one of mama’s many followers looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday, which was just few weeks away.
“Mama would have clocked 100 on November 25 this year. It was going to be a milestone, not just for her, but for our great country. She was the matriarch of the Awolowo family, a well respected dynasty in the history of Nigeria”.
“Mama’s demise at this time is painful, especially coming at a period when Nigeria is gradually enjoying democratic bliss, which her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo fought for till his death”.
“We however take solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life. We celebrate her for what she stood for, uniting the Yoruba race for a common course and keeping her family together since the demise of her husband”.
“She was the pillar behind Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies. She was the backbone of the brand of progressive ideas that defined the politics of the South West in the First Republic and in subsequent Republics”, the Governor said..
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos state, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Mama Awolowo, the people of Ogun state and Nigerians on this great and irreparable loss”, he said.
In his condolence message, Governor Fayose of Ekiti State said the conscience of Oodua nation is gone.
The Governor described the death as the loss of the real conscience of the Oodua nation, saying her untiring efforts at building and sustaining the unity of the Yoruba nation and ensuring its worthy pride of place within the context of Nigeria’s federal structure will be sorely missed by all.
He also described the death of Mama Awolowo as the end of an era.
In the message issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, by the governor’s
Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor said Mama
Awolowo not only wrote her name in gold in the history of the Yoruba
race and Nigeria at large, but proved truly that behind a successful
man, there must be a good woman.
“The Holy Bible says he who finds a wife finds a good thing and
obtains favour from the Lord. That was true and real in the life of
the late sage Baba Obafemi Awolowo who found a good thing in our dear
Mama and called her ‘My jewel of inestimable value.’
“The good qualities of a dutiful wife and caring mother shown by Mama
are worthy of emulation. She stood solidly by her husband during those
trying moments. She showed resilience when it seemed all chips were
down.
“After the demise of her husband, Mama stood tall to carry on with the
great legacies of Baba Awolowo. Even when the vicissitudes of life
brought some challenging issues across her path, despite that there
was no Baba to lean on, she stood like a rock.
“Mama Awolowo’s life was not only exemplary, but one that provided
great lessons of life to the discerning mind. She has fought a good
fight. She came and conquered. She left footprints in the sands of
time and she has gone to a deserved rest.
“Mama Awolowo was a quintessence of honesty, discipline, integrity,
modesty and compassion. With Mama’s death, no doubt, the biggest iroko
tree in the forest
of Yorubaland has fallen and the jewel of inestimable value has
finally gone to meet the sage.
“Despite her old age and failing health, she never stopped to harp on
an egalitarian society, a nation of equity, justice and fairness.
“Mama remained undaunted in her commitment to the unity and wellness
of the Yoruba race in particular and Nigeria as a whole. She will be
sorely missed by all.
“On behalf of my family, government and people of Ekiti State, I wish
the entire Awolowo family the continued support and guidance
of the Almighty God and the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, described the nonagenarian as an inimitable personality who could only be described in superlatives.
In his condolence message on the passing of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Daniel said she was a woman of charm, humility, generosity, courage, resilience, industry and vision.
According to the two-term governor of Ogun State, she was so strong a personality and so magnetic impressing herself indelibly on the minds of not only her family and kinsmen but her race and the nation in general.
“Kind, compassionate, strict but loving, caring and sensitive, Mama was a great humanitarian and strong believer in service to the community. Undoubtedly, she was born into a man’s world, arguably to play a man’s role”.
“Mama’s support ignited the flame of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s long held visions as she was ready to spend her life side by side her husband in their patriotic, humanitarian and political dreams”.
Continuing, he stressed that “Mama’s life was one selfless devotion as she sacrificed so much of her youth, her adult years and ultimately her life for the benefit of her people in spite of harassment, arrest and even death which were very real possibilities”.
“For a woman of remarkable bravery, she surmounted all odds following her husband and staying by him through all vicissitudes; imprisonment inclusive.
“Firm but noble, full of charm, grace and beauty, her intellect combined with her unique resilience made her one of a kind. Even at almost a century old, Mama was still cheerful and as sharp as a tack”.
“Rather than mourn, we should celebrate her life so full of love an the way we can best honour her is to pray Almighty God to grant her eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great loss”.
In his reaction entitled ‘Passage of an icon’, the Atona of Yorubaland, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, said: “The transition of Chief Mrs Hannah Didelolu Awolowo is an irreparable loss to our nation and a collective diminution of the Yoruba race. She was a mother- in- Israel, a superlative patriot, a shining gem and an authentic jewel of inestimable value who walked through the valleys and mountains of life with dignity and with unshakable faith in the will of God.
“She stood with her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with poise and defiant consistency. She never buckled nor faltered even in the face of the harshest challenges of life. She has now entered the pantheon of unforgettable icons like Moremi, Queen Amina, Efunsetan Aniwura and Madam Tinubu.
She has paid her dues. Her cause is fulfilled. She will never be forgotten where courage, decency, humility, and firmness of purpose are acknowledged and celebrated.
“May the good Lord grant Mama’s repose in the eternal sanctuary of the seraphim. Goodbye and goodnight Yeye Oodua”.
Also, former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, described the matriarch as an uncommon personality whose demise was a huge loss to the nation.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu acknowledged the role played by the late renowned philanthropist and media entrepreneur in the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
In his words: “The demise of Mama Awolowo is painful and disheartening at this time the country needs her counseling on national issues. She was not only a rallying and reference point to the womenfolk but Nigerians in general. Mama was generous and committed to the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. She committed her resources to the uplift of the less-privileged in the society. Above all, she lived a fulfilled life worth emulating”.
The former governor noted that the late Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland demonstrated selflessness in different capacities in the society.
He urged the Awolowo clan to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life in the service of God and humanity, and left behind a good legacy for her family members to uphold.
Kalu, while commiserating with the government and people of Ogun State, prayed God to grant the departed soul a blissful rest.
According to the statement: “President Muhammadu Buhari has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Dideolu Awolowo.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Buhari extends sincere commiserations to the children, grand children and great grand children of the “Jewel of Inestimable Value” on the death of their famed matriarch, just a few weeks before her hundredth birthday.
“The President joins them and millions of admirers of her late, revered husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in mourning Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo who will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage.
“President Buhari believes that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will always be honoured too for the indelible legacy of very significant, behind-the-scene contributions to communal, state, regional and national development which she has left behind.
“The President prays that God will comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.
“He also prays that the Almighty will receive the late matriarch’s worthy soul and grant her eternal rest from her long, earthly service to her renowned spouse, family, community and country”.
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State said he received the news with shock, given the fact that family members were already planning for her 100th birthday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Bayelsa State, Governor Dickson commiserates with the immediate and extended families on the death of Mama who was the matriarch of the great Awolowo family. It is unfortunate that Mama died at a time when she was just getting ready to celebrate her hundredth birthday.
“The Countryman Governor also commiserates with the Ogun State Government and the good people of Ogun State for this great loss.
“While we mourn Mama’s passage, we take solace in the fact that she left a worthy legacy behind, as Mama H.I.D will no doubt be remembered and celebrated as a woman of uncommon strength and virtue who stood by her late husband and was able to sustain Pa Awolowo’s incredible political legacies and values.
“Governor Dickson prays that God grants the family the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace”.
Also, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said he was one of mama’s many followers looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday, which was just few weeks away.
“Mama would have clocked 100 on November 25 this year. It was going to be a milestone, not just for her, but for our great country. She was the matriarch of the Awolowo family, a well respected dynasty in the history of Nigeria”.
“Mama’s demise at this time is painful, especially coming at a period when Nigeria is gradually enjoying democratic bliss, which her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo fought for till his death”.
“We however take solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life. We celebrate her for what she stood for, uniting the Yoruba race for a common course and keeping her family together since the demise of her husband”.
“She was the pillar behind Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies. She was the backbone of the brand of progressive ideas that defined the politics of the South West in the First Republic and in subsequent Republics”, the Governor said..
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos state, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Mama Awolowo, the people of Ogun state and Nigerians on this great and irreparable loss”, he said.
In his condolence message, Governor Fayose of Ekiti State said the conscience of Oodua nation is gone.
The Governor described the death as the loss of the real conscience of the Oodua nation, saying her untiring efforts at building and sustaining the unity of the Yoruba nation and ensuring its worthy pride of place within the context of Nigeria’s federal structure will be sorely missed by all.
He also described the death of Mama Awolowo as the end of an era.
In the message issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, by the governor’s
Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor said Mama
Awolowo not only wrote her name in gold in the history of the Yoruba
race and Nigeria at large, but proved truly that behind a successful
man, there must be a good woman.
“The Holy Bible says he who finds a wife finds a good thing and
obtains favour from the Lord. That was true and real in the life of
the late sage Baba Obafemi Awolowo who found a good thing in our dear
Mama and called her ‘My jewel of inestimable value.’
“The good qualities of a dutiful wife and caring mother shown by Mama
are worthy of emulation. She stood solidly by her husband during those
trying moments. She showed resilience when it seemed all chips were
down.
“After the demise of her husband, Mama stood tall to carry on with the
great legacies of Baba Awolowo. Even when the vicissitudes of life
brought some challenging issues across her path, despite that there
was no Baba to lean on, she stood like a rock.
“Mama Awolowo’s life was not only exemplary, but one that provided
great lessons of life to the discerning mind. She has fought a good
fight. She came and conquered. She left footprints in the sands of
time and she has gone to a deserved rest.
“Mama Awolowo was a quintessence of honesty, discipline, integrity,
modesty and compassion. With Mama’s death, no doubt, the biggest iroko
tree in the forest
of Yorubaland has fallen and the jewel of inestimable value has
finally gone to meet the sage.
“Despite her old age and failing health, she never stopped to harp on
an egalitarian society, a nation of equity, justice and fairness.
“Mama remained undaunted in her commitment to the unity and wellness
of the Yoruba race in particular and Nigeria as a whole. She will be
sorely missed by all.
“On behalf of my family, government and people of Ekiti State, I wish
the entire Awolowo family the continued support and guidance
of the Almighty God and the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, described the nonagenarian as an inimitable personality who could only be described in superlatives.
In his condolence message on the passing of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Daniel said she was a woman of charm, humility, generosity, courage, resilience, industry and vision.
According to the two-term governor of Ogun State, she was so strong a personality and so magnetic impressing herself indelibly on the minds of not only her family and kinsmen but her race and the nation in general.
“Kind, compassionate, strict but loving, caring and sensitive, Mama was a great humanitarian and strong believer in service to the community. Undoubtedly, she was born into a man’s world, arguably to play a man’s role”.
“Mama’s support ignited the flame of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s long held visions as she was ready to spend her life side by side her husband in their patriotic, humanitarian and political dreams”.
Continuing, he stressed that “Mama’s life was one selfless devotion as she sacrificed so much of her youth, her adult years and ultimately her life for the benefit of her people in spite of harassment, arrest and even death which were very real possibilities”.
“For a woman of remarkable bravery, she surmounted all odds following her husband and staying by him through all vicissitudes; imprisonment inclusive.
“Firm but noble, full of charm, grace and beauty, her intellect combined with her unique resilience made her one of a kind. Even at almost a century old, Mama was still cheerful and as sharp as a tack”.
“Rather than mourn, we should celebrate her life so full of love an the way we can best honour her is to pray Almighty God to grant her eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great loss”.
In his reaction entitled ‘Passage of an icon’, the Atona of Yorubaland, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, said: “The transition of Chief Mrs Hannah Didelolu Awolowo is an irreparable loss to our nation and a collective diminution of the Yoruba race. She was a mother- in- Israel, a superlative patriot, a shining gem and an authentic jewel of inestimable value who walked through the valleys and mountains of life with dignity and with unshakable faith in the will of God.
“She stood with her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with poise and defiant consistency. She never buckled nor faltered even in the face of the harshest challenges of life. She has now entered the pantheon of unforgettable icons like Moremi, Queen Amina, Efunsetan Aniwura and Madam Tinubu.
She has paid her dues. Her cause is fulfilled. She will never be forgotten where courage, decency, humility, and firmness of purpose are acknowledged and celebrated.
“May the good Lord grant Mama’s repose in the eternal sanctuary of the seraphim. Goodbye and goodnight Yeye Oodua”.
Also, former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, described the matriarch as an uncommon personality whose demise was a huge loss to the nation.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu acknowledged the role played by the late renowned philanthropist and media entrepreneur in the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
In his words: “The demise of Mama Awolowo is painful and disheartening at this time the country needs her counseling on national issues. She was not only a rallying and reference point to the womenfolk but Nigerians in general. Mama was generous and committed to the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. She committed her resources to the uplift of the less-privileged in the society. Above all, she lived a fulfilled life worth emulating”.
The former governor noted that the late Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland demonstrated selflessness in different capacities in the society.
He urged the Awolowo clan to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life in the service of God and humanity, and left behind a good legacy for her family members to uphold.
Kalu, while commiserating with the government and people of Ogun State, prayed God to grant the departed soul a blissful rest.
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Culled from Newsreel Daily
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