Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says he received the news of the death of Mama Abigail Makinde, the mother of the Engr Seyi Makinde, his Oyo State counterpart, who died in the early hours of Thursday with great shock and disbelief.
Abiodun in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, described Mama Makinde as a frank and straightforward woman who raised her children in a Godly way and was a source of strength to those she came in contact with during her life time.
“Mama was a rare gem, a supportive wife, a loving mother who would stop at nothing to ensure the welfare of her children and others who crossed her path.
“She was not only a mother to her children, but mother to children sir other parents, as she did not discriminate, but treated everyone equally. She made positive impact on the lives of people in her community. I am sure she will greatly missed”.
Abiodun noted that he was particularly pained by her death when preparation was on top gear for her 82nd birthday, adding that with her death, the country, Oyo State and Governor Makinde as lost a good adviser, motivator and a great counsellor.
“It is a pity that mama died at a period when her wise counseling was mostly needed not only in Oyo State, but in Nigeria. I sympathize with my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde. I know this is indeed a trying period for him. It is my prayer that the Almighty God will grant him the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss”, he said.
The Governor while praying for the repose of soul of the deceased, called on Nigerians to emulate Mama Abigail Makinde who lived a life of service to humanity, saying this would imprint their names on the sand of time.