Outgoing governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has described the passing of renowned journalist and former Minister of National Planning, Chief Ayodele Ogunlade, also known as Adegbemile, as a great loss to the state and the country in general.
The Ilupeju Ekiti-born industrialist and statesman died on Monday at the age of 88 years.
Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described the late Ogunlade as a man of honour and a worthy ambassador of Ekiti State; who projected the core values of excellence, hard work and integrity for which Ekiti people are known.
The governor noted that the late Ogunlade positively influenced the lives of many people when he began his career as a teacher before joining the media industry, particularly the Western Nigeria Television and the Broadcasting Service of Ondo State, where he rose through the ranks until 1976 when he was appointed General Manager of Ondo State Broadcasting Service.
Fayemi added that Ogunlade’s appointment as Permanent Secretary in Ondo State barely two years after his elevation as General Manager was a lesson that hardwork is rewarding; noting that the young generation of Nigerians should emulate this virtue which later got Ogunlade appointed as Minister of National Planning under the military rule of General Sani Abacha.
Dr Fayemi said Ogunlade’s life, as a community leader, journalist and industrialist, one whose family business became a household name, was inspiring and emulating.
The governor added that the late Ogunlade would be greatly missed and remembered for his selfless contributions to national development.
“Our highly reverred Baba Ogunlade was an icon of excellence, hardwork and courage which Ekiti people are known for. He was a beacon of hope and lived an inspiring life which the younger generation of Nigerians should emulate.
“His death is the end of another era which will not be easily be forgotten. His death is a loss, not only to Ekiti State but also Nigeria at large.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the family of Chief Ayo Ogunlade, and also pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss”, Fayemi commiserated.