UI’s Prof of Economics Femi Kayode Buried Amidst Tributes

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By Ralph Omololu Agbana, Lokoja.

The late Professor Matthew Olufemi Kayode, former Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters and until his death, Director, Centre for Resource Management and Consultancy at the University of Ibadan, has been buried in his hometown, Egbe, Yagba West Local Council Kogi State at the weekend, amidst torrents of tributes from family, friends, associates and mentees.

He died on August 10, 2020 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after a brief illness, aged 81 years. 

The week-long celebrations of the life and times of the erudite scholar included the Service of Songs, ‘Night of Tributes’ and launch of Femi and Dupe Kayode Foundation, named after him and his late wife, held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, UCH, Ibadan and Trenchard Hall, UI between Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, with prominent Nigerians in the academia and all walks of life, including President Muhammadu Buhari paying tributes to the late Kayode for his service to the nation and humanity.

In his message at the commendation church service at Bodija-Ashi Baptist Church, Ibadan, Thursday, Rev (Dr) S.O Wojuola who led the service urged the congregation to use the opportunity of the service for the late don to develop a relationship with God and live wisely to understand God’s will and gives thanks to God for everything.

According to him, “God has spoken through the service that the days are evil and you cannot afford not to live wise”.

In a tribute, a former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Baniro, said the Late Professor Kayode served the nation meritoriously in his career as an economics professor.

He noted that the late Professor would be greatly missed in the Department of Economics, at the University of Ibadan.

Two of the children of the deceased, Mrs Olufunlola Afolabi and Mrs Olutomilola Miriki who reminisced on times with their father, said he left indelible marks in their lives.

President Buhari in a message by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, condoled with the government and people of Kogi over the loss of the distinguished economist for his willingness to leave the university to share knowledge, wisdom and experience with governments.

President Buhari noted that the deceased served variously as Chairman sub-committee, National Revenue Allocation, Mobilization and Fiscal Commission and Member, National Capital Issues Commission.

Late Kayode was also Chairman, Think Tank Committee for Strategic Projects, National Raw Material Development Council; Member, Technical Committee, Vision 2010; Member, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Board of Directors and a number of strategic Committees and Commissions in Kwara, Kogi and Lagos States.

Buhari believed the former Special Adviser dedicated his time to serve the nation, and his contributions to national development would always be remembered.

The president prayed for the repose of his soul.


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