President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday described the late pioneer Chairman of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, Alhaji Kola Oseni, as a courageous and principled man who never compromised.
Tinubu spoke at the Seventh-Day Fidau Prayer for the late Oseni at the Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos.
The President was represented at the event by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat
Oseni, an administrator, elder statesman and politician, died on July 1.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to honour the memory of the deceased by living lives of integrity, truthfulness and courage.
According to him, the late Oseni was renowned for speaking his mind and standing firmly by his convictions.
“He expressed his opinion the way he saw things. He only followed what he believed was right,” Tinubu said.
The President said that Oseni’s commitment to truth earned him respect and admiration of all who knew him.
He described his last meeting with the deceased as memorable, saying that Oseni was supportive and generous and touched many lives through his courage and sincerity.
The wife of the deceased, Mrs Karling Oseni, described her husband as a charismatic leader, accomplished community organiser and relentless achiever.
“He was a visionary family man who upheld discipline, accountability and excellence, inspiring his children and everyone around him to pursue their dreams with courage and commitment,” she said.
The first son of the deceased, Mr Abdul Lateef Oseni, described his father as a man of authenticity, courage and determination, whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
He urged all who were impacted by the deceased to celebrate his memory not only with words, but also by embracing the values he exemplified.
In a tribute, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, Chief Moshood Abiola running mate in the 1993 Presidential Election, urged Nigerians to live righteous and purposeful lives.
Kingibe described the late Oseni as a devout Muslim whose life exemplified piety, integrity and faith.
He said the deceased was a principled man who stood firmly by his convictions and never compromised.
The Chairman of the Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos Branch, Alhaji Kamurudeen Salami, called on members of the society to remain steadfast and united in spite of Oseni’s death.
Salami said that although the society lost a distinguished leader, its vision, mission and commitment to service must be unwavering.
“Although Alhaji Kolajo Oseni has departed, the ideals and aspirations for which the society stands must continue to thrive,” he said.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased, comfort for his family members, and sustenance of his legacies.
