29th July, 2011
Nigerians have been cautioned against the contravention of the agreement on the N18,000 minimum wage, as well as on the handling of the Boko Haram security threat and the argument on the Islamic Banking. This is to ensure that the nation remains an indivisible entity and not made a laughing stock.
The Pastor in charge of First Baptist Church, Isensi, Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State, Revd. Joseph Akintola who said this at the funeral of Prince Olanrewaju Adebayo Olutunfese, a prominent religious and community leader in Lagos, enjoined the citizens to pray for the leaders in order for God to arrest the present ugly situation.
Asking for a truce between the labour leaders and the government, the cleric pleaded with both sides to show understanding so as to promote an enduring democracy. He also urged the government to make humane policies that will help to cushion the challenges facing the masses that voted them to power.
Revd. Akintola wondered why Nigerians should suffer in the midst of plenty, charging the leaders, especially members of the ruling class, to shun extravagance and allow God to take charge of the nation’s governance. He urged them to serve as disciplined and transparent role models for others to emulate.
He advised Nigerians to realise that since death was an inevitable end of man, there should be a continued appraisal of one’s approach to life so as to remain submissive to God.
In his sermon, Revd Akintola extolled the virtues of the deceased and congratulated the wife and the children for having such a very God-fearing, passionate, and philanthropic father and husband, whose ultimate was the dogged service to God and humanity.
He warned that since death was a necessary end, it behoved on all to eschew pride and assist the church, the society and the nation with their time, treasures and talents. The cleric enjoined those left behind to uphold the deceased’s qualities for God to be happy with them at all times.
Revd. Akintola advised greedy and heartless leaders to ponder and make life more meaningful to others at all times. Revd. Akintola warned on the unfortunate consequence of the goverment reneging on the already signed minimum wage agreement with labour.
He assured that, if well managed, the nation’s abundant resources could cushion the masses’ problems, as well as revamp dilapidated socio-economic and political infrastructure. The cleric warned on the present situation as a time bomb that must be promptly arrested now.
Highlights of the event were the wake-keep service and the lying-in-state of the deceased at his family house, Ilede, Eyindi, Ijebu-Ife.
His remains were interred at his Itako, Ijebu-Ife residence, where the dust to dust rites were performed, by the wife, children and his relations.
The funeral was attended by eminent personalities.