The Lagos State Government has held a day of tributes as part of the rites of passage for a former Military Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu.

Paying glowing tributes to the late Rear Admiral, Govenor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described him as a great Lagosian and Nigerian, a visionary and courageous leader who lived a remarkable life.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who said the idea behind the day of tributes was to show the family of the deceased that Lagos would not forget his contributions named one of the State owned brand new housing estate in Gbagada axis of the State in his honour.

He said the Gbagada Estate, which will be inaugurated later in the year was named after Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, to demonstrate to others that Lagos State will never forget her heroes.

“It is our hope that every time outstanding and heroic leadership is recognised and rewarded, new leaders will be inspired to emerge and continue from where the departing generation left off,” he said.

Welcoming guests to the event, the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, described the late Ndubuisi Kanu as an achiever in the true sense of the phrase, having governed two States before the age of 34.

Dr Hamzat further extolled his virtues as a tested nationalist, a pro-democracy activist who lived for the people and lived a contented life.

“He loathed injustice as a plague. A pro-democracy activist, he detested oppression and was at the forefront of the battle against military dictatorship between 1993 and 1999.” Dr Hamzat said

His wife, Lady Gladys, described him as a loving irreplaceable husband and father, while one of his children, Jeffrey, described the late Rear Admiral Kanu as a symbol of power, love and simplicity.

Tributes were also paid to the late Ndubuisi Kanu by his close associate, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, former Governor of Lagos and National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as well as pro-democratic activists, representatives of Civil Society Organisations and the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze-Ndigbo.

The event which took place in Ikeja attracted Very Important Personalities, including the Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and other top government functionaries, and members of the Ndubuisi-Kanu immediate family.

Born on November 3,1943, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu who governed Lagos State between 1977 and 1978 died on January 13, 2021.

His remains will be committed to mother earth on the 16th of this month in his home State, Abia.

 

RADIO NIGERIA

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *