By Eberechi Obinagwam
Family and friends have been paying tributes to Pa Saliu Samuel Ali, a community leader in the Ikaram Akoko area of Ondo State who recently passed away at age 86.
The Chief Registrar of the National Industrial Court, Olurotimi Williams Daudu, in a tribute, said Pa Saliu Samuel Ali was a man noted for his courageous, diligent, honest and peaceful nature.
He said: “My knowledge of Pa Samuel Saliu Ali is of his courage, diligent, honest and peaceful nature. He took me and related with me as though I were his biological son and I had the privilege of his counsel and encouragement for several years. He was generous with his love and resources, a community leader with excellent human relations and a heart of gold towards both the young and old.
“He was always analytical, objective and extremely supportive. His contributions to the social, political and economic life of Ikaram Akoko cannot be overemphasized and will remain unforgettable,” he said.
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Pa Saliu Alli (1936-2022), a tribute
A son of the deceased, the U.S. based Prophet Oladele Samuel, said he would forever be grateful to God for giving him a good father.
He said: “Foremost, I am grateful to God for giving me my dad. I also give gratitude to God that my father lived an impactful life in the society. He made it obvious that he cared for his children. When I was growing up, I observed that my father would never eat if he was not sure his children had eaten. A man who would never discriminate between his children and other children living with him.
“He never struggled to take care of strangers and visitors. He would never discourage you from rendering assistance to people. He opined that someone else would assist you or your children elsewhere for the assistance rendered to people. He was so fearless and would tell you to your face what he felt was wrong.
“I will ever be grateful to God and him for encouraging me to go to school, especially when I was losing interest in schooling for God’s work in my local church then. He was a disciplinarian and would never condone you being rude to your teachers. He taught us to be truthful and fearless, no matter what.
“He was so appreciative, generous and accommodating. He believed in quality. To him, whatever you want to do, do it well. I will miss the kindness in your heart and the sunshine in your smile. I am grateful to God that you were my father. Adieu, my darling father till we meet again at Jesus’ feet.”
Pa Saliu Samuel Ali would be buried between July 28 and 29 in Ikaram Akoko in Ondo State.
