FASHOLA VISITS, CONDOLES WITH WIFE, FAMILY OF UNILAG VC

“He was a great man of the people, a torch for humanity”, he says  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Sunday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, where he condoled with members of the family describing the deceased as a great man of the people. Professor Sofoluwe, a Computer Scientist who was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos on January 30, 2010, was said to have slumped at a meeting on the Campus on Friday and was first rushed to the institution’s medical centre and later to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) where he passed on Saturday. Speaking to Journalists after condoling with widow of the University Vice Chancellor, Mrs. Funmi Sofoluwe, family members and senior University staff present, Governor Fashola said he was shocked at the news of the sudden demise of the Professor whom he described as a very dear friend. According to Governor Fashola, although he had not known the Professor for too long, their friendship picked up the very first time they met adding that he was a man who generated as much laughter as he could take. Describing it as a huge loss to the Academic Community, the Governor, who said he could only imagine how the Sofoluwe family, relations, colleagues and friends of the University boss would feel “at this great loss”, added that he would always remember the deceased for his geniality and courage. In the Condolence Register at the official residence of the Vice-Chancellor, Governor Fashola wrote, “I am shocked and saddened. But I accept that this can only happen because the Almighty who gave life has also taken it. We cannot question His decision. “It is painful for me and I can only imagine how others feel about this great man of the people, a torch for humanity, a man who generated as much laughter as he could take. I will miss his approachable and I-can-do spirit. “Rest in peace, dear friend. Your dreams for Akoka may only dim, but will reflect in full bloom in the shortest of time”. Responding on behalf of the Sofoluwe Family and the Academic Community respectively, a member of the family, Brigadier-General Shoyemi Sofoluwe and the UNILAG Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor R.A.B. Bello, thanked Governor Fashola for the visit especially coming directly from a trip to Akwa Ibom State as well as the concern he has shown and prayed God to grant the family and the Academic community the fortitude to bear the loss.