By Bukola Adama and Abiodun Bolujoko
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has described the first military governor of Kwara State late Brigadier David Bamigboye as a industrious ad dedicated so, saying the state will miss his astute administrator.
Saraki stated this in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state on Saturday during final funeral rites and thanksgiving service for Bamigboye at St Paul Anglican Cathedral.
Speakig further, Saraki said the legacies of Bamigboye are glaring across the length and breadth of Kwara State.
He said, “Brigadier Bamigboye, the officer, gentleman and astute administrator who served as the first military governor of Kwara State.
“As we commiserate with his family and loved ones, I join all Kwarans and indeed Nigerians in also celebrating the life and accomplishments of the late great General Bamigboye.”
In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed said the state will immortalise the late Bamigboye by naming a recognised edifice after him.
Ahmed praised the deceased for laying a solid foundation for which the state was recognised and known for today.
Governor Ahmed however urged the family to take heart and be consoled by the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life, worthy of emulation.
He said even after he retired from military service, Brigadier Bamigboye remained a bridge-builder, humanitarian, community leader and politician, committed to elevating his community and indeed the state.
In his remarks, former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon said the deceased was a good, loyal, hardworking and capable young officer whose performance earned him appointment to serve as the first military governor of the old Kwara State.
He said though the late Bamigboye was one of the youngest governors at the time, but a highly committed, dedicated and loyal officer who served his state as governor and the nation well.
On his part, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki said the state had lost an industrious and dedicated son, adding that Bamigboye’s legacies are glaring across the length and breadth of the state.
Chief Jide Adebayo, the Eesa of Omu-Aran, who spoke on behalf of the Olomu-in-Council, said the community would greatly miss Bamigboye’s fatherly role and advices as a son of the soil.
Founder of winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, urged politicians to emulate the late Bamigboye and always remember that their ambition is not worth shedding blood of any citizenry.
He charged Nigerians to pray for the country against bloodshed and war in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.
Speaking, wife of the deceased, Mrs Aduke Bamigboye described her husband as a friend, confidant, supporter and a loving father to his children and extended family.
“I never thought you will leave us so soon but I take solace in God that you are in a better place and looking at me and your children,” she said.
In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Omu Aran Diocese, Rt Rev Philip Adeyemo said the late Bamigboye was used by God to achieve for Omu Aran Community in particular and the state at large.
He charged Nigerians to pray and vote for the right candidate in 2019 elections and not to allow themselves to be used by anyone to achieve parochial and selfish interest.
The event featured special songs by cathedral choir and prayer for the family.
Late Bamigboye died on 20th of September 2018 at the age of 78years.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Other dignitaries present at the event included; wife of Kwara State Governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, former governor of the state, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, retired General Alani Akinrinade and retired Brigadier General Alabi Isama among others.
