The death of a foremost president of the Government College Ibadan Boys Association (GCIOBA) and Director of the Punch Newspaper, Chief Lekan Are, on Saturday, has been described as a sad loss and the exit of one of Nigeria’s exemplars in leadership.
Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters to the Oyo State Governor, Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, stated this on Sunday in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, noting that the country has, indeed lost another gem.
Oduyoye, who described Are as a straightforward man and an individual with fine qualities that will remain exemplary for the next generation, said his death at a time that the next generation of Nigerians needed role models and mentors in good character, came as shock.
He condoled with the family of the deceased industrialist and the GCIOBA as well as the management of the Punch Newspaper, praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
“The news of the death of Chief Lekan Are, foremost president of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) and Director of the Punch Newspaper came as a rude shock.
“Baba Are’s demise came at a period when the younger generation of Nigerians need role models and exemplars like him to mentor and guide them, as he was an exemplar in discipline, straightforwardness and hard work.
“But as believers in God, we can only accept the will of God and pray that God will grant him eternal rest while also praying to God to grant the family, friends and associates he left behind the fortitude to bear this loss,” Oduyoye said.
