For Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, the death of the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, (DAWN), Dipo Famakinwa has left a vacuum that will be too difficult to fill.
In his condolence message, Ajimobi lamented the demise of the 50-year-old policy strategist which he described as a loss too much to bear.
A statement by the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr. Yomi Layinka, quoted the governor as saying that he received the news of the untimely passage of the DAWN Commission boss with rude shock.
Describing the deceased as a fine gentleman committed to the integration of the Southwest and adoption of a regional common agenda, the governor said that his death had left a gaping hole that would be difficult to fill.
The governor expressed sadness that death had again taken away one of the brightest, dutiful and committed citizens of the Southwest, who had used his intellect to make a difference everywhere he had worked.
Ajimobi said, “The enigma called Death has again cut short the life of one of our shining stars. I’m still in shock, because when we attended the last meeting together, I never had an inkling that I was seeing him for the last time.
“This is an energetic young man that was always prepared to sacrifice his time, expertise and resources to ensure the integration of the Southwest. He was a rallying point for all the stakeholders in the Southwest development agenda.
“We share a common vision for the region and that explains why it was easy for me to work closely with him on the DAWN blueprint. Famakinwa lived an eventful life. He left us when his wealth of experience is still much treasured.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the DAWN Commission family, his friends and loved ones. This is a loss too much to bear. It’s tragic. My prayer is that his very gentle soul should continue to rest in peace. He will be sorely missed.”
