Encomium
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the death of the Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund Agency, UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, as a big loss, not only to Nigeria but the world at large.
Governor Amosun said the death of the Professor of Clinical Pathology, who he described as a world acclaimed public servant, was particularly saddening for Ogun State, as he was one of the many illustrious sons and daughters that the Gateway State is proud of.
“We cannot forget his invaluable contributions as Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and the war against HIV/AIDS, when he served as Executive Director of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), which no doubt, significantly tamed the spread of the disease in Nigeria.
“His achievements, definitely earned him a well deserved seat in the Federal Executive Council of the previous administration, where he held the portfolio of the Minister of Health,” he added.
The Ogun State Governor also recalled the feats of the late Osotimehin as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations as well as the Executive Director, UNFPA, noting that he was an epitome of excellence.
“Indeed, he was an outstanding administrator of international repute, a good ambassador of Nigeria and a distinguished son of Ogun State,” Governor Amosun said.
He prayed that God grants the Osotimehin family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while urging the family to find consolation in the fact that he died a fulfilled man.
Chief Adedayo Adeneye
Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy,
Ogun State.
