Thomas Abolarin from ErukuCity bids a final farewell to his mother with love and gratitude

… Tribute to her profound influence and enduring spirit

~By Fabiyi Oluwaseun

In Yorubaland, there is a common prayer saying that signifies our desire to have good children who will provide us with a dignified burial after we pass on

The assertion above epitomizes the collective efforts of the children of the late Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro of ErukuCity in Kwara State, led by Canadian-based Thomas Abolarin, who organized a week-long funeral ceremony befitting their beloved mother who passed away on the 23rd of February 2024 at the age of 102 years.

This tribute honors the extraordinary life of Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by fulfillment and outstanding achievements, serving as a testament to the special favor and kindness of the Almighty God in her life and that of her children

Mama Elopo Iye Rere, fondly called, was a good mother endowed by God with many laudable virtues, a good life, good breeding, firmness of purpose, and unfailing graciousness at all times. Children and families, including her associates, can attest that she was a woman of exemplary moral fibre

Mama Akerekoro was indeed a great and renowned daughter of Erukucity, whose life was not obscure, while her achievements remain outstanding, and her substantial and immense contributions to the growth of the community persist

Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro, also known as Iya elepo, iya rere, was a prominent figure within the Gaa Akanbi axis of Ilorin, the state capital of Kwara State. Her exemplary Christian lifestyle left a lasting legacy at Holy Family Catholic Church, situated at Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin, where she was honored and invested as “Iya Rere” (Good Mother), a title she held until her death. Although she lived to the ripe age of 102, her departure was deeply felt by the church priest and members, who greatly miss her. Her legacy is indeed worthy of emulation

In addition, this led the entire children and family of the late Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro to eulogize her using the word of God in paying tribute to a remarkable mother, great-grandmother, abiyamo toto, a woman of vision who served God and humanity wholeheartedly and throughout her life without blemish

Thomas Abolarin Akerekoro provided further testimony that Mama served her generation with merit. She completed the race with integrity and a crown of righteousness is laid up for her. Rest in peace, my beloved mummy, great-grandmother, Veronica iye elepo iya rere

To recap: A one-week burial ceremony will commence on Saturday, 14th December 2024, with a remarkable thanksgiving service at Holy Family Catholic Church, Gaa Akanbi Ilorin at 10 O’clock sharp, followed by entertainment of guests at Atlantic Events Place, Ilorin

However, other burial activities befitting her are ongoing at Eruku City, her hometown in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State within the community, and will run through week-long events

The Grand Finale is scheduled for Sunday, 21st December 2024, commencing with a special family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Eruku, Kwara State, at 10:00 a.m. sharp. This will be followed by a reception and entertainment of guests at St. Cyprian’s football field, featuring the renowned juju highlife musician, IfeBright, who will thrill the audience at both Atlantic Events Center, Ilorin

Lastly, BethNews Media publisher Oluwaseun Fabiyi observed that robust security measures were fully implemented to ensure the safety of guests, friends, and family at the event

Watch for exclusive images of the event from BethNews Media.

SGF Receives Acting Accountant-General of the Federation

…Restates FG’s Commitment to Accountability, Probity, and Transparency

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, today formally received Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) at a brief meeting in Abuja. The appointment follows the commencement of the mandatory pre-retirement leave of Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the outgoing AGF, in accordance with Public Service Rules.

During the event, the SGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding accountability, probity, and transparency in the management of public finances. He emphasized the critical role of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) in the execution of fiscal policies and the realization of the administration’s economic reform agenda.

Senator Akume commended Mr. Ogunjimi’s appointment, describing him as a seasoned professional whose extensive experience and qualifications make him well-suited to lead the nation’s treasury operations during this transitional period. According to reports, the SGF reiterated that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu places a high premium on financial integrity and efficiency. Mr. Ogunjimi’s track record in public financial management is expected to enhance his capacity to uphold those values.

In his remarks, acting AGF Ogunjimi expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged to continue discharging his duties with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to transparency. He emphasized his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the optimal functioning of the OAGF and the success of ongoing fiscal reforms.

Mr. Ogunjimi, a Chartered Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Chartered Stockbroker, brings over 30 years of expertise in financial management across the public and private sectors. His appointment underscores the Federal Government’s focus on continuity, competence, and efficiency in fiscal administration.

The meeting concluded with a call for collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial management systems and achieve the government’s vision for a sustainable, transparent, and accountable public finance framework.

Allegation of party funding baseless
-TETFUND

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Tetfund, has described the allegation of its funding of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State as “untrue, baseless and a desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of t agency and its leadership”.

According to TETFUND’ s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumini Oniyangi, the allegations by Mrs. Patricia Yakubu that TETFund has been involved in funding political activities in Adamawa state reveals “either a misunderstanding of the institution’s mandate or a deliberate attempt to smear the reputation of an institution that has remained apolitical and focused on national development.”

The statement reads further: “TETFund is a non-partisan institution established to address the infrastructural and academic needs of tertiary institutions, and its operations are guided by strict governance frameworks and oversight mechanisms.”

“To further buttress the futility of the allegations, we wish to state in clear terms that General Murtala Mohammed College (GMMC), Yola, where TETFund contracts were said to have been sold is not a Beneficiary Institution of TETFund; while FCE Yola which is a Beneficiary Institution is solely responsible for engagement of its contractors in line with the policy of the Fund.”

It is worth emphasizing that Arc. Sonny Echono is a man of proven integrity and an accomplished professional whose track record speaks for itself. Since assuming office as the Executive Secretary of TETFund, he has worked tirelessly to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and excellence.

“It is important to categorically state that Arc. Sonny Echono is not a card-carrying member of the APC or any political party. As the Executive Secretary of TETFund, his focus has been solely on advancing the mission of the organization, which is to provide critical support to tertiary institutions across Nigeria in the areas of infrastructure, research, and staff development.

His commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further underscores his dedication to national progress and the development of Nigeria’s education sector.