The Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial district, Oloye Teslim Folarin has mourned the passing of renowned industrialist – Chief Bode Akindele. He described the demise of Parakoyi of Ibadanland and the Chairman of Madandola Group as another great loss to Nigeria.
The death of Chief Akindele is coming five days after the exit of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The Ibadan high Chief died in the early hours of Monday at the age of 88.
Oloye Folarin in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Com. YSO Olaniyi, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday, said the the late industrialist and philanthropist would be sorely missed by the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest and Nigeria at large.
Part of the condolence message reads:
“Chief Bode was our exemplary father and great mentor countless of Nigerian industrialists and entrepreneurs. It’s a verifiable fact that Baba, during his lifetime, didn’t give fish but he taught thousands of people how to fish”.
“He was a humanist and passionate lover of Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest and Nigeria at large. His philanthropic gestures spans decades. Through his Bode Akindele Foundation, the deceased has for many decades awarded scholarships to bright and indigent students. Similarly, through the Bode Akindele Youths Initiatives, the late Akindele collaborated with the University of Ibadan in giving vocational training alongside academic to students”.
“I must emphasise that his death is a monumental loss to Nigeria. His philosophic antecedents will be difficult to match”
Senator Folarin prayed to God to give his family, the Ibadans and Oyo State citizens the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.