Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, in Lagos, described the former Chief of General Staff, the late Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd.), as a forthright and honest leader who served his country and its people well.
He noted that the life of the former CGS under the Abacha military regime revealed that one could serve one’s nation long after leaving public service.
“He showed us that you can live and serve your nation and serve well even after office, serve again and work hard even in private life,” Osinbajo said during a condolence visit to the family of the late elder stateman in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Friday and titled, ‘Gen. Diya was a forthright leader who served Nigeria well, Osinbajo says on condolence visit to family.’
According to him, Diya was “a very down-to-earth, honest and straightforward human being. We are very proud of what he achieved while in office.
“My memories of him were of a very decent man who loved and served his country. He signed up to die for his country and in the process ended up in the political line and served as the number two citizen of the country.
“In the coming years when we reflect on the life of this man, we will see the greatness of his life. He showed us that you can live and serve your nation and serve well even after office, serve again and work hard even in private life. Also, when you pass on, you are able to leave a legacy, and people can say of you that you did well.”
Condoling with the late General’s widow, Mrs Josephine Diya and his children, the VP said the former CGS loved Nigeria dearly, served with all his strength and was committed to its progress and unity.
Recalling his interactions with the late Diya, the VP said, “I tried to get him to write a memoir about his life but that didn’t work. What I did get him to do was to sing ‘Oh God, our help in ages past’ in 2017. He was the first person I spoke to about the project.
“The idea was to get past Presidents and Vice Presidents to come together to praise God. He had joked about how well he could sing, and so we tested that singing skill and as you all know, he did so well.”
The Vice President who was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustahpa, was received on arrival by the second son of the late General, Mr Oyidamola Diya, and other family members.
Osinbajo also signed the condolence register at the Ikeja residence.
His message read, “My sincere and heartfelt condolence to the wife, Mrs Josephine Diya, children and family of a worthy predecessor in office, a decent gentleman, and an outstanding soldier and leader – General Oladipo Diya.
“General served his country and its people well. Both as a soldier and later as a political leader – at all times, he demonstrated a rare ability to manage men and material efficiently, he built trust because he trusted others and served with integrity and forthrightness. We will remember him well and celebrate his legacy always.
“On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our government, I express sincere sympathies and pray that his memory will always be blessed.”
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
