- By Halimah Olamide
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described Mr Gboyega Soyannwo, his late Deputy Chief of Staff , as a rare gem, who contributed immensely to governance and the development of the state.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the”Night of Tributes”,a programme organised by the state government on Tuesday in Ikeja, to honour Soyannwo ,who died on May 15 at 55.
In attendance were Sanwo-Olu’s deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, members of the State Executive Council, and Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi,Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said his late aide was a team player par excellence, who worked tirelessly for the success of his administration .
He said his late aide was a firm believer in impactful governance ,adding that he was dutiful and passionate about development.
The governor also said the deceased was a brother, an armour-bearer, a confidant and a faithful believer in the collective dream of a Greater Lagos.
” Sister Kemi and Bunmi (referring to the deceased’s family members),God will be with you ,you have not lost a brother, you have earned new friends you have earned new family members into the Soyannwo’s fold.
“He has earned it, he has worked tirelessly for it, he has kept faith, he has done more than what is expected of a 55 year-old, he has shown us that there’s a world for loyalty, he has shown us that there’s reward for hard work.
“The world stood still at about 3.30 p.m. on that fateful Wednesday, my phones were ringing non-stop, everybody was asking questions, all over the world, people were asking questions.
“The world knew that indeed a great man had fallen, a real Omoluabi (noble man) a wonderful husband and an outstanding father, a great brother.
” This is for us that are here to ask if it is their own time, what will people say about them, we will have the opportunity to make right corrections.
” We still have the opportunity to assist that person, to make life meaningful for that person and not use our office recklessly ,knowing full well that one day, we don’t know who’s next, we should strive to live well in fulfillment,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu said his late aide was a great friend and brother, and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, asking God to grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.
” I want to thank all of you for being here today, we have just started, there are other ceremonies, indeed it has been an honour to have been Gboyega’s boss, it has been an honour to be his friend, it’s been an honour to be his colleague, it’s been a greater honour to have been his confidant and a great brother.
“His total dedication and service to Lagos State will never be forgotten. My prayers are with his beloved wife, Yewande and their children during this difficult time,” he said.
The Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, in his welcome address, described the deceased as a dedicated and committed official,with noble character and generous spirit.
He said late Soyannwo was a silent achiever ,who did his best to serve the state.