Family, friends remember J.K. Randle

THE yearly memorial service for the late Lisa of Lagos, Chief Joseph Koshoniola Randle, was marked at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. It was attended by family members, friends and dignitaries including the former Head of Interim Government, Ernest Shonekan, accountant guru, Mr. Akintola Williams, among others.

Testimonies of his 47 years on earth abound and his remarkable and unforgettable contributions to humanity lead credence to his being remembered yearly. It further serves as lesson to remind the living that they would always be remembered for what they have done while on earth.

Speaking at the occasion, his son, Bashorun J.K. Randle, said his father would always be remembered for his selfless service and generosity.

“In the 50’s, his generation was concerned about the future of Nigeria. They ensured peace between Christians and Moslems, bridged the gap between the rich and the poor by setting up foundations and scholarships.

“Today, our nation is confronted with crises, which include laying off of workers, Boko Haram insurgency as well as inability of some states to pay their workers’ salaries,” he said.

Bashorun described the death of his father when he was only 12 years old as devastating but is very appreciative the whole of Lagos, came to his rescue. This, he said, necessitated the yearly memorial service as an avenue to thank those that came to the family’s assistance when his father left the world in 1956.

“He had only two of us, myself and my junior sister. It was a great shock when he died. The whole of Lagos, which was about 400,000 in population with everyone like one family, came to my rescue because his death was least expected. And what we are doing today is one of the ways to show our gratitude to the people of Lagos for their kindness and generosity to the family after his death.

“My father would always be remembered for his philanthropy. He was concerned that education should not be for Christians alone but also for the Moslems, which led to some Moslem schools being named after him. He served the country, corporate bodies and also left a legacy for Nigerian youths to emulate,” he said.

Shonekan described the late Randle as a father of all. “He led the team to Commonwealth game at his time and they did very well as a result of his good leadership spirit. For those of us who knew what he did, we praise him for his ability to build a good team. We had two good unbroken records at the Commonwealth games. He was so good that we have to remember him many years after he died.

“Unfortunately, he died at the age of 47 and that was the time the children, the family and the nation were starting to enjoy him. But God knows the best. He was a good sportsman. He also had recognition from the British Government and was honoured as a member of British Empire,” he said.

Another friend, Pa Adedapo Adeniran, 92, and oldest student of Kings’ College, described Randle as a wonderful person, highly intelligent and accommodating.