A cross-section of Nigerians, on Thursday, described the late former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Obadiah Mailafia as a selfless Nigerian, who committed his life to make the country better.
They spoke at a service of songs and tributes in his honour, held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
A former Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, said that late Mailafia lived a life that impacted many people.
He described him as a man who yearned for justice, fairness and equity, adding that the deceased served the nation excellently.
Gana, who is the Chairman, Burial Steering Committee of the deceased, said the night of service of songs was an avenue for Nigerians to pay tribute to late Mailafia.
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“We have people in their folds and in all works of life to sympathise and appreciate Mailafia, pay him the last respect he deserves in a special way,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Olusegun Mimiko former governor of Ondo, described late Mailaifia as an accomplished ideologist.
Mimiko said he was one Nigerian who was concerned about the direction the country was headed, adding that the deceased spoke fearlessly about corruption, violence and other ills in the society.
“He never shied away from condemning negative vices and was always optimistic for the best; the country will remember him as someone who loved and stood for truth, he was a man of faith, he was a voice for all religions, he came, saw and conquered,’’ Mimiko added.
Mailafia’s first son, Emmanuel, a legal practitioner, described his father as a child of destiny, who lived a life worthy of emulation.
He thanked all those who took time off to mourn with them and wished everyone well.
Other dignitaries who eulogized the late Mailafia were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Governors Simon Lalong and Samuel Ortom of Plateau and Benue, respectively.
Also in attendance were delegations from the CBN, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Middle Belt Forum, amongst others.
NAN reports that Mailafia died on Sept. 19 and will be buried on Friday at the Mambilla Barracks Abuja after a funeral service at the National Christian Center.
Mailafia was born on Dec. 24, 1956, at Randa, Sanga Local Government area of Kaduna State, and is survived by a wife, Margaret Mailafia and two children, Emmanuel and Samora.
One of his memorable quotes was: “Great states are not products of chance. They are products of imagination, creativity and purpose driven leadership.’’ (NAN)