The demise of DAWN Commission’s Dipo Famakinwa is still trending and many prominent Nigerians, especially Yoruba leaders have been sending in their condolence messages.
The governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described the late technocrat as a man who did not believe anything was impossible.
“I will say it here that I have had the opportunity of sitting down with Dipo in his office on the 10th Floor of Cocoa House. He knew what he wanted and never lost focus for a minute. He will be missed by all of us in Yorubaland and indeed in Nigeria.”
On the part of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, he said Famakinwa’s sudden exit has left a sour taste in the mouths of all stakeholders in the development agenda for the South-West.
In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola has played a pivotal role in the efforts to integrate the South-west and use the platform to engender a new growth for the people of the region.
“We are left speechless with this sudden loss,” Aregbesola was quoted as stating.
The statement went further, “Famakinwa has been very dogged in the pursuit of that assignment given to him. He was committed wholeheartedly to the progress of the Yoruba. Through the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, we have moved to accelerate regional revolutionary growth to rediscover our strength as a people of common heritage through agriculture, culture, education, and even sports development.
“Since the birth of that organization, Famakinwa has left no one in doubt on his comprehensive understanding of what we set out to do and the zeal with which he pursued the assignment has been commendable.”
The Governor said it is painful that the late Director General of DAWN did not live long enough to see the objectives of the organization come into full fruition before his untimely exit.
“We are however consoled by the fact that Famakinwa did his best to raise the consciousness of this region. We are also consoled by the fact that death is a necessary end and must come when it is its time. On behalf of the good people of the State of Osun, I commiserate with his immediate and extended families, members of the DAWN Commission family, my colleague governors and other stakeholders in the development agenda of our region. May the soul of Famakinwa rest with his Lord perfectly.”
And from DAWN Commission’s home city, Ibadan, the governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has also lamented the death of the Dipo Famakinwa, describing it as a loss too much to bear.
A statement by the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr. Yomi Layinka, quoted the governor as saying that he received the news of the untimely passage of the DAWN Commission boss with rude shock.
Describing the deceased as a fine gentleman committed to the integration of the Southwest and adoption of a regional common agenda, the governor said that his death had left a gaping hole that would be difficult to fill.
The governor expressed sadness that death had again taken away one of the brightest, dutiful and committed citizens of the Southwest, who had used his intellect to make a difference everywhere he had worked.
Ajimobi said, “The enigma called Death has again cut short the life of one of our shining stars. I’m still in shock, because when we attended the last meeting together, I never had the inkling that I was seeing him for the last time.
“This is an energetic young man that was always prepared to sacrifice his time, expertise and resources to ensure the integration of the Southwest. He was a rallying point for all the stakeholders in the Southwest development agenda.
“We share a common vision for the region and that explains why it was easy for me to work closely with him on the DAWN blueprint. Famakinwa lived an eventful life. He left us when his wealth of experience is still much treasured.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the DAWN Commission family, his friends and loved ones. This is a loss too much to bear. It’s tragic. My prayer is that his very gentle soul should continue to rest in peace. He will be sorely missed.”
The Senator representing Oyo South, Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi also had a word to say about the deceased.
According to the energetic politician, “he was a good man, a man of peace, a man committed absolutely to the unity and progress of Yorubaland. He was so much in a haste to see the South West soaring higher than other parts of Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace”.
In a masterfully crafted submission titled ‘I lost a brother and friend, and which was made available to PMParrotng by Senator Babafemi Ojudu of Ekiti State, the lawmaker wrote: It’s a sad day. We lost Dipo, a friend and brother with whom I have collaborated in the last one decade. Dipo Famakinwa, DG ,Development Agenda for Western Nigeria ( DAWN ) was reported to have died today in Lagos. I am crying here and alone in my hotel room in Paris.
You were a highly resourceful and clear eyed visionary. Dipo you worked and sweated tirelessly for the Yoruba race and humanity. You spoke the language of development. You were passionate about your people. You walked the talk. Now I can see why you were always in a hurry and impatient with people playing politics with developmental issues. ARG will miss you and so will your numerous compatriots in the community, particularly the young men and women you were mentoring.
Two weeks ago I called you and gave you the details of an official of ADB who informed me of fund available for regional integration. I never knew that was the last time I was going to talk to you. Dipo you did your best and posterity will remember you for it. May God grant you eternal rest.
Olufemi Awoyemi of Proshare: The good you did, the battles you fought, the paths you opened up……the foundation you laid, the family you left behind….all will be the legacy we must all rise up to.
Adieu a worthy brother in purpose …… so long, yet sooner than forever, we will all answer the same call and hopefully leave the world/Nigeria with the memories of the good we worked hard for – the next generation to build upon.
No time to spare now….Today I lost a brother, a kindred spirit, a voice of counsel and a friend. May God bless the family he has left behind, IJMN, Amen.
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola, Oyedapo Oyewole and Omotoyosi Jesuleye
