10 years after, Awoniyi the bridge builder remembered

The 10th year anniversary celebration of late Sunday Awoniyi, the famous and reknowned bridge builder across the regions during the pre-colonial and post-colonial eras as well as an active technocrat and valuable participant in the various military administrations in Nigeria was held in his home town, Mopa, Kogi State on Sunday.
Encomium were showered on the late former chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum at the special memorial service held at the First Baptist Church Mopa LGA of Kogi State to commemorate his passing on.

The Arewa Consultative Forum described the late Chief Awoniyi as one of the foremost nationalists and patriots that strived to make it possible for an entity called Nigeria today.

In a goodwill message read by its representative JP Uba, ACF described late Awoniyi as a man who dedicated his life for the development of Northern Nigeria and will continue to be remembered and emulated for his detribalised policy.

The former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris also described the late Awoniyi as a great man and a role model who was transparent, forthright and ensured fairness and justice in all his dealings while alive.
He said the late Awoniyi was one of personalities that supported his political ambition of becoming a governor in the state, regretting that the state has lost a rare gem.

Senator Tunde Ogbeha on his part said the late Awoniyi was a devoted patriot who demonstrated a lot of passion for the development of northern Nigeria, who would be remembered as one of its founding fathers.

A former deputy chief of staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Sola Akonmode, said the late Awoniyi remains an inspiration to many even at death.

In her remarks, the widow of the late Awoniyi, Mrs Florence Awoniyi thanked the dignitaries for the love and honour done to her husband even in death.

Earlier in his sermon, Rev (Dr) David Daniyan said the late Awoniyi lived a life worthy of celebration, adding that he contributed greatly to the development of the church in Mopa.

He said the late Awoniyi was a humble, loving and caring man who lived for the good of others and the development of his nation.

The event featured the presentation of a posthumous award to the late Awoniyi for his outstanding contributions to church development.

Amongst other dignitaries that graced the event Include a former deputy governor of Kogi State, Patrick Adaba; Member representing Yagba federal constituency, Sunday Karimi; member representing Ijumu/Kabba-Bunu constituency, Tajudeen Yusuf and a former Special Adviser to ex Preident Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Tunde Olusunle, amongst others.

Idris Ahmed ,Lokoja.