The remains of the former Minister of Education, Professor Babalola Borishade, have been laid to rest in his hometown in Usi-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Borishade, who also superintended over the ministries of Aviation, Culture and Tourism as well as Steel and Power under the Olusegun Obasajo’s presidency, died on April 26, 2017, at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
The funeral service for the late professor of Nuclear Physics took place at Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Usi Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday.
During the funeral, the Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, condemned Nigerian leaders for their financial recklessness.
Okoh, who was represented by the Arch Bishop of Ondo Province and Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Reverend George Lasebikan, called on the leaders to live lives worthy of emulation, saying, “Only what you do well on earth will speak for you after your demise”.
The Primate said Nigerian leaders lived reckless lives without regard for death, adding that death shall surely end their lives regardless of whatever they used their positions to amass.
He said, “We have limited time to live on earth. So, why amassing wealth at the expense of poor people. We all carry expiry dates. The suffering of the masses today was caused by the foolishness of some few privileged Nigerians who plundered the commonwealth without thinking about the poor.
“They exhibited larger-than-life attitudes. But they must realise that death is just a step away from them, so they must have a rethink so that they can have a memorable end like Prof Borisade.”
Okoh described Borisade as a worthy leader and man of commitment, dedication and integrity to the service of the nation, who never abandoned his people when appointed into that exalted ministerial position.
“He shall be sorely missed by his admirers. He left indelible marks on the sand of time and in the hearts of his people as a generous statesman and confidant,” he said.
“You must take a cue from his life. What would people say about you after death? Will they praise or curse you? Have you used your position to amass wealth at the expense of the populace? Whatever you do, the end shall come soon.”
Okoh reminded the leaders that hell and heaven were real, urging them to imbibe attitudinal change and come to the path of righteousness.
The former was later buried inside his residence along Ido-Usi-Ayetoro Road.
Dignitaries at the event include wife of the former Vice President, Mrs Titi Abubakar; Governor Ayodele Fayose, represented by his wife, Feyisetan; former governors of Ekiti and Oyo States, Segun Oni and Christopher Alao Akala, respectively; and PDP National factional spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, among others.
