Batunde Osotimehin, who was buried in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday.
Osotimehin
died in the United States on June 5 at 68.
Those who
eulogised the deceased medial doctor and advocate for eradication of HIV/AIDS
were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac
Adewole Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, Deputy Secretary General, UN,
Aminat Ibrahim; Executive Director, United Nations and Executive Secretary,
Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Dr. Nazikna Kauem.
According to Guardian report, Others were
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Yetunde Onanuga, who represented Governor Ibikunle
Amosun; Secretary to Osun State Government, Moshood Adeoti, who represented
Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan Prof. Idowu
Olayinka; Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan,
Prof Temitope Alonge among others.
At the
commendation service held at the All Souls Church, Bodija, Ibadan, Obasanjo,
said: “Indeed, Osotimehin’s passage is painful, especially as he would still
have a lot to contribute to his family, his community, the nation, Africa and
indeed the entire world, but we can draw solace from the fact that he lived a
life of service to humankind and to his fatherland.”
Adewole, who
represented the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, said: “Osotimehin had many enviable qualities. He
was a family man, an academic per excellence, a global researcher, a seasoned administrator,
an advocate, a diplomat, a mentor and a grand-political master.
“I
interacted with ‘Big-Boss’ for over than 30 years at personal, official,
academic and political levels. He was known to be a team player, liberal,
visionary and socially sensitive during his time.”
Archbishop
in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Reverend George Lasebikan, in
his sermon, urged all and sundry to live a good life worthy of emulation.
The deceased
widow, Olufunke Osotimehin, said she met her husband 47 years ago at a birthday
party, and they got married 44 years ago. She said her late husband was
ambitious and continually sought opportunities to serve Nigeria, saying, “For
you, it was first and foremost about the service, and the God that saw your heart
and good motive opened up opportunities for you at NACA, the Federal Ministry
of Health and then the UNFPA.”
Son of the
deceased, Babajide Osotimehin, said of his father, “You were a truly great man and I am proud to
be your son. You have undoubtedly left really big shoes for me to fill and I’ll
take on that challenge.”
Secretary
General of the United Nations (UN), Anthonio Guterres, in his tribute said:
“The world has lost a great champion of health and well-being for all.
Babatunde was admired globally for his leadership of the UN Population Fund and
for his forceful advocacy for the world’s women and girls in particular.”
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