The remains of ex-minister of education, Prof. Babs Fafunwa, were buried on Tuesday evening in Lagos, amid wailing by family members and sympathisers.

Fafunwa, 87, had died on Monday morning at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja, a day after he and he and his wife had travelled to the Federal Capital Territory for the second convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria.

At the burial, which was witnessed by prominent Nigerians such as Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; and former inspector-general of police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, encomiums were poured on the departed former minister by various persons.

The body was conveyed to his Bendel Close, Victoria Island residence at 12.35pm in a hearse by MIC Undertakers and was laid in state in the premises at about 3.30pm.

The body was later taken to Jamatul Islamiyya Mosque on Lagos Island, where scores of sad sympathisers had gathered to witness the prayers for the departed educationist. Many of the sympathisers were overhead discussing the life and times of the late former minister.

Prayers were said for the repose of his soul at the mosque. The Chief Missioner of Jamatul Islamiyya Mosque, Alhaji Kamaldeen Shuaibu, who officiated at the prayers, urged Nigerians to emulate Fafunwa’s exemplary qualities.

He urged them to realise that “people have come at different times and will go at different times. What matters most is that people should be prepared fully for such, especially with zealous service for God.”

Later, at Ikoyi Cemetery, the Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah in South-West Nigeria, Prof. Daudu Noibi, urged people to reflect deeply on the lessons of life. He said he saw the late Fafunwa in Lagos on Saturday, adding that the former minister told him of the trip to Abuja.

The former minister was buried by 5pm amid wailing by the large crowd.

In the condolence register perused by THE PUNCH at Fafunwa’s residence, Fashola wrote, “Fafunwa was a true icon who lived among us. He was a gift of Lagos to our country and the continent as a whole. He served with honour and dedication.

“Indeed, it is ironic that as an octogenarian, he did not tire to serve and finally answered the call while still serving.”

In his tribute, Tinubu described the ex-minister as “an accomplished and more rounded educationist; a contemporary Nigerian. It is a big pity that his lofty dreams of how education in Nigeria should be had remained unattained. Sincerely speaking, he ran a good race. Now, he should have a deserved rest.”

That picture breaks my heart and brings a tear to my eye.

A woman who has lost her lifetime partner, and two of her sons suppporting her on her feet, stoic in their own grief.

This is very sad indeed. All I can say is God bless him and his family. May his soul rest in peace.

He lived long

He lived well

No need to cry