The remains of Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson were on Friday buried in a private arrangement by her family after a church service held at African Church Cathedral of St. James located in Idi-Ape area of Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital
Lawson who was the first female President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), died peacefully at 72 in her private residence on Quarry Road in the ancient town.
The burial of the founder of ECOWAS Female Business Women Entrepreneurs (FEBWE) among other women groups was witnessed by a number of dignitaries within and outside Nigeria, which included former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife.
At the service, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun eulogised the deceased who he said left a legacy that would be a reference and an inspiration to generations yet unborn. He added that her accomplishments were extraordinary and challenging to replicate.
Abiodun said that as the first female President of NACCIMA, former Chairman, Board of Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta; Fellow and Council Member, Institute of Directors; Chairman Board of Trustees, Nigerian Quality Infrastructure Forum, among others, Lawson dedicated her life to serving the nation, Ogun State and the society at large.
“Chief Alaba Lawson was a woman of remarkable achievements, leaving indelible marks and lasting impact, not just in our dear State, but throughout the entire country. A great philanthropist who garnered numerous accolades throughout her life time and her contributions to the society were immense,” Abiodun said.
He added, “The Lawson family of Abeokuta has lost a true gem, and the Association of Academics in Nigeria mourns the loss of a distinguished member with exceptional intelligence. Her eventful life will continue to inspire many especially the younger generation.
“We as government, we will do the needful in sustaining your legacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to ensure that we sustain the legacy of our own dear Iyalode Oluwaseun Alaba Lawson.
“The foremost educationist, philanthropist, and defender of women’s rights was also the first female National President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture.
“She was a role model to most of the children. She was eloquent, civilised, and remained very cultural, holding on to traditional values. She was an advocate and championed women’s rights. She gives freely, happily, and cheerfully. She was courageous, fearless, and principled. I can’t thank you enough for the support you gave me in my political journey. We love you, but God loves you more.”
Earlier in his sermon, the Primate, African Church, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Abbe, pointed out that the deceased lived an impactful life as she was kind and generous to the people, the church and the society.
The cleric added that that Lawson, was a defender to the defenceless, a reliable and worthy mother who was not only interested in the welfare of her biological children, but to anyone who crossed her path during her life time.
The Primate in his text from the Book of Matthew 5 verse 8,decried the attitude of some wealthy individuals who care less about the well-being of others, noting that the deceased, apart from being a well-known educationist, an industrialist with wide network of connections, was a beacon of hope.
The Cleric emphasized that her death has created a big vacuum that would be difficult to fill, just as he advised the wealthy and those in authority, to work towards alleviating the sufferings in the land brought about by the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, noting that millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive due to the hardship.
However, other notable personalities at the events include Senator Ibikunle Amosun(former Governor of Ogun State and his wife), Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele(Ogun State Deputy Governor)
The others include former Deputy Governors, Salmot Badru and Yetunde Onanuga ,Col Daniel Akintonde(former Military Governor Ogun State) Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Senator Shuaib Salis, representing Ogun Central, Rt Hon Kunle Oluomo(Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly).
The dignitaries also include Yemi Sanusi (Chairman All Progressives Congress Ogun State), Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, Adijat Adeleye(Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development), Tokunbo Talabi(Secretary to Ogun State Government) and the Oloris of Oba Adedapo Tejuoso among others.
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