By Temitope Salami
Ijebu-Ode (Ogun) – The President of Namibia, Mr Hage Geingob, on Friday paid tributes to the late Prof. Adebayo Adedeji for his enduring sacrifice in the struggle for Africa’s emancipation.
He spoke at the funeral service in honour of the former United Nations chief held at the Cathedral Church of Our Saviour in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.
Geingob, alongside other dignitaries, praised Adedeji for the positive influence he had on the economic and social development of the African continent.
“Adedeji, my friend, was indeed a consummate Africanist and activist who fought for the liberation of Africa.
“It is sad that we are still facing some problems in Africa, despite the struggles of the past for a buoyant, self-sustaining continent.
“However, on the premise of the building blocks people like Adedeji has laid, alongside present and past heroes, I am optimistic for the future.
“He has fought a good fight for Africa and I want to say his legacy will endure,” Geingob said.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said it was unusual for a person as Adedeji to be claimed by people from around the world had it not been for his service.
Osinbajo praised the deceased for leaving his mark on humanity through an array of worthy legacies.
“There is no doubt that he applied himself diligently to his duty in a fair and godly manner.
“He always had a hand in what has made Africa what it is today, which is why everybody claims him.
“By what his life demonstrates, Adedeji would be remembered for the contributions and impact he made to the development of his nation and Africa.
“On behalf of Nigeria, we commiserate with the family and are proud of the endearing legacies he has left us,” Osinbajo said.
In their remarks, former Nigerian leaders, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen. Yakubu Gowon, described Adedeji as a selfless statesman who gave all to serve his country.
Brig. Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, an institution Adedeji pioneered, said he would be remembered as an enduring catalyst for national unity.
In his sermon, Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, former Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos Anglican Communion, also paid tributes to Adedeji’s dedication to service.
“We are talking about a world class economist and a renowned academic who was also a top flight diplomat.
“He had a burning passion to share knowledge and he did so at all times.
“It is an impossible task to enumerate the achievements of the times of the late Adedeji.
“He, however, can be epitomised for his dedicated service to his nation and humanity.
“He has left for us a legacy of service. We should let his life move us to be a positive influence to development,” Akinde said.
A pioneer Executive Director of the Addis Ababa-based United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Adedeji died on April 25 at the age of 87.
He was the ECA director between 1975 and 1991.
(NAN)