By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated former military administrator of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on his 70th birthday celebration.
Prince Oyinlola, a retired military officer and former Governor of Osun State clocks 70 on Wednesday, February 3.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday described Oyinlola as an elder statesman worth celebrating for his life of consistent commitment to public service in different capacities as military officer, administrator and politician.
The governor said Prince Oyinlola remains one of the few Nigerian leaders who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of several states and the country at large as a military officer, politician and elder statesman.
He said: “On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I heartily congratulate one of my predecessors in office, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on the occasion of his Platinum Jubilee celebration.
“Prince Oyinlola’s brilliance and administrative prowess were displayed during his tenure as the military administrator of Lagos State between December 10, 1993 and August 22, 1996. He did his best for the State despite the tense atmosphere Lagos experienced during the June 12, 1993 annulment struggle.
“He built several schools, general hospitals and housing estate in Lagos State. Some of the legacies he left behind are the Opebi link bridge and Lagos House Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. He also introduced the security outfit “Operation Sweep” to combat armed robbery in the State.
“Prince Oyinlola is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in service. He used his elevated positions in the military regime and civilian administration to uplift the standards of life for the people he served,” the statement said.
In another development, the governor commiserated with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on the death of her mother, Alhaja Sadiat Abeke Erogbogbo.
The late Alhaja Sadiat Erogbogbo, a businesswoman and retired teacher died at the age of 90 on Monday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement by Akosile on Tuesday, urged the deceased family, friends, business associates and the entire people of Ikorodu to immortalise the good name of the late nonagenarian.
Sanwo-Olu said “no doubt the death of a loved one is usually painful as it is irreparable but we must always take solace in God if the deceased had lived a good life.”
The Governor stated further that, “Alhaja Erogbogbo, popularly known as ‘Kind Teacher’ in the early days of her teaching career lived a fulfilled life, considering her positive impact on the lives of her numerous students who have turned out as great men and women in the society today.
“The elderly and wise counsel of Alhaja Erogbogbo will be sorely missed not only by her family but the entire people of Ikorodu, where she played active roles towards its development for many years before she passed on.
“I sympathise with Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, her siblings and the people of Ikorodu.
I pray that God will grant the late Alhaja Erogbogbo eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
