By Adekola Afolabi

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Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has described the state former Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro as a great general who died fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
Akeredolu saluted the uncommon courage of Adegbenro, saying, the late medical doctor was busy saving lives at the forefront against the pandemic without taking cognizance of his personal well-being.
The Governor who spoke at the 1st year remembrance Public Lecture in honour of the late commissioner, held at the Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, also described death as inevitable.
The event put together by the Adegbenro Dynasty was also attended by the wife of the Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Tayo Alasoadura; Muslim leaders including the state chairman, League of Imams and Alfas, Alhaji Ahmed Aladesawe; the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh Yayi Akorede, among several others.
The Chief Imam of Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi Mosque, Government House, Alagbaka Akure Alhaji. Yunus Anola, delivered lecture at the well attended ceremony.
Akeredolu who extolled the selfless services and good character as exemplified by Adegbenro, equally enjoined the people to dedicate their lives to serving God and humanity.
The Governor prayed God continued protection and care for the family the deceased left behind, while assuring them of government support.
“He was at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. He was always in meetings. The state lost him in the battle. He died in the battle. He died serving the state.
“Death is a debt that we all will surely pay. That is the reason we must all be of good character. Adegbenro was a lucky man. He was twice commissioner in this state. He held those positions to help the people. He was a philanthropist”, he emphasised.
Narrating the event before the death of the former commissioner, Governor Akeredolu said: “I remember I was in my sitting room where he came to see me. And the way he was talking, I was worried. I immediately called another doctor. I told him to follow the late Adegbenro and take his sample.
“I felt he was not feeling well considering the way he was talking. His sample was taken. The second day, he was rushed to the hospital. He was ill. He was taking care of others, he forgot to take care of himself. He died serving this state.”
There were goodwill messages from dignitaries including a representative of Adegbenro dynasty, Mr Omololu Adegbenro; the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh Yayi Akorede; Egbe-Omo Ilara-Mokin among several others.
Speakers after speakers described late Adegbenro as a selfless, generous leader and a philanthropist whose contributions to humanity and society at large cannot be quantified.