By Michael Adesanya/Abeokuta
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that late former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief (Mrs.) Olutoyin Olakunri, helped to actualize his dreams as the civilian president of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007.
He called for resolve of all Nigerians to ensure that the great labour of love exhibited by the late chairman of Education Trust Fund (ETF) was not allowed to be in vain.
Obasanjo, in a condolence letter to husband of the deceased, Elder Simeon Moronfolu Olusola Olakunri (SAN), a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Monday, described the late stateswoman as “Ever resourceful, trustworthy and conducting herself with humility, dignity and decorum, ‘Toyin has left an indelible mark in her national assignment at the Federal level and various facets of the private sector.
“When I needed to put together a strong team of individuals who understood my vision and mission for the Nigeria project and could help actualize my dream as the civilian president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, ‘Toyin’s name just couldn’t escape the list of such individuals.
“Through her distinguished public service, as the Chairman of the Education Trust Fund, she was a tremendous help to me and I enjoyed every bit of her advice and support. Her reflections and piercing insights and insistence for truth and accountability could not but inspire anyone close to her. ‘Toyin also earned the recognition and admiration of many of her compatriots across the length and breadth of Nigeria. She was a dutiful and hardworking fellow and gave her very best to the end in the service of her fatherland.
“As we mourn the passing of this illustrious daughter of Africa, we must resolve that her great labour of love shall not be in vain. While I pray that God’s strength, His bountiful blessings and perpetual guidance shall remain upon you and the entire family as you brace up to the reality of the permanence of her absence, I also pray that God will crown her soul with the joy of paradise,” Obasanjo said.
