Encomiums as Senate pays tribute to Agagu

[Mirror]

The Senate yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who died on Friday, September 13.

The upper chamber also resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with the family of the deceased, the Government and people of Ondo State, just as a one minute silence was observed by the Senate in honour of the departed.

This followed a motion sponsored by the three senators from the state, Senators Boluwaji Kunlere (Ondo South), Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) and Robert Ajayi Boriffice (Ondo North).

In his lead presentation of the motion, Kunlere observed that the late Agagu was elected Deputy Governor of old Ondo State under the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he deployed his vast knowledge as a geologist to advance the case of Ondo State as an oil producing state.

The lawmaker said he was aware also that Agagu was at a time a founding member of the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) as well as a founding member and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, who was appointed as a minister of aviation and later power and steel between 1999 and 2003.

Kunlere described the late former governor as, "An intellectual of no mean repute, a consummate politician, a wonderful networker, nationalist, socialite, a community leader, a devoted Christian and above all, a family man married to one and only Mrs. Olufunke Agagu, which marriage was blessed with three children, who are all successful in their chosen careers."

Senator Danjuma Goje, who worked with the late Agagu as the minister of state, power and steel, described him as a simple, down to earth person, who Nigerians should remember as level-headed development conscious person.

The lawmaker further observed that as a very articulate and forthright person, the deceased gave very sterling leadership to the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF).

Senator Ehigie Uzamere, after recounting his encounter with the late governor during an international flight, describe him simply as a very humble person, whose legacies in Ondo State should be emulated.

Senate President, David Mark, noted that whilst he had the opportunity to serve Nigeria, the late Agagu did so with dedication and commitment.

Mark described him as "A patriotic, perfect gentleman, who was hardworking, dedicated to Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general."

Source: Encomiums as Senate pays tribute to Agagu

[Folami David]

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.