Eulogies trail departure of Punch chairman Aboderin

Haven Event Centre, Ikeja was yesterday filled to capacity as friends, relatives and colleagues joined the Aboderin family to bid the media mogul and chairman, Punch Newspapers, Mr. Wale Aboderin, farewell at the wake service.

Delivering the sermon, The Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Rt Rev. James Odedeji, admonished all present to emulate the life of Wale Aboderin whom he described as a child of God until his death.

He said Aboderin was a good man who impacted lives of many around him, as well as the nation, Nigeria.

Odedeji who enjoined all to be conscious that God had bestowed individual God-given purposes to everyone said Aboderin lived as an ambasssador of God while alive.

In his tribute, former Minister of Industry and immediate past president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Nike Akande, said Aboderin was “an icon, a great achiever, an epitome of excellence and one who touched many lives positively.”

In another tribute by his old friends and classmates at Government College Ibadan (GCI), 1970-1974 class set, Aboderin was described as “an epitome of humility, a cheerful and compassionate giver who went all the way to assist almost everyone that he considers needed help.”

The tribute signed by GCI Chairman, Dr. Sina Fagbenro-Byron and Secretary, Engr. Segun Kehinde, who also described the deceased as a cheerful giver.

Also the management and staff of Punch Nigeria Limited said “memories of a boss with an infectious smile forever planted on his broad face, who would want any member of staff he met on his premises to radiate the same.

“Memories of an unassuming boss with a disarming simplicity and modesty who, when you ran into him in the elevator would offer a a chop knuckle gesture and a pat on the back, without airs.”

The Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Lagos, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo said “Wale was a kind and loving man, extremely loyal, very generous and was ready to go out of his way to support and defend whatever he believed in.

An example is Dolphin Basketball Team he single handedly took up, established, funded and looked after.

According to funeral arrangements released by the family, the funeral service will hold today, June 15 at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, Oba Akinjobi Street, Ikeja by 9:00a.m. followed by a private interment.

The late Aboderin, who has been described as a jovial, friendly and generous man, died on June 3 at the age of 60. He was also a basketball lover, a sport he championed and funded.

The chairman, Inner Wheel Club, District 911, Gbemisola Rufai, expressed sadness over the death while praying to God to comfort the family.

Rufai said, “On behalf of Inner Wheel, District 911 Nigeria, we appreciate the goodness of God in your family. May He receive your soul in His bosom.”

Another sympathiser, Akin Braithwaite, said the late chairman lived a fulfilled life, while praying for his soul to rest in peace. Ayodele Bakare, however, regretted that the likes of the late Aboderin would be hard to come by.

In his emotive message in the condolence register, he wrote: “A unique, unassuming gentleman whom I feel privileged to call my friend.

His contributions to humanity, not just basketball, have set a standard which we all can only aspire to emulate.

“Every generation, God makes one of these and then breaks the mild.

You are one of those special ones made for your generation, the like of whom we shall never see again. Goodnight, Wale till we meet to part no more.”