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Sanwo-Olu immortalises Ndubuisi Kanu, says he finished his race with distinction

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IBRAHIM QUADRI

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday named a Gbagada Estate after late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu as a way of immortalizing him, saying he had “played his part and finished his race with distinction.”

 

Sanwo-Olu made the immortalization during a day tributes in honour of the Kanu who died on January 12, 2021, at the age of 78.

 

The event which took place at the Blue Roof in Alausa was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, ex-Deputy Governors of the State, Femi Pedro, Sarah Sosan, members of the State House of Assembly, NADECO chieftains, uniformed men, students, wife of the late Kanu, Gladys, children, grand children, family members among others.

 

 

Admiral Kanu, was a military Governor of Lagos State, between 1977 and 1978 with a foundation that his successors have been proud to inherit.

 

Sanwo-Olu said, “It is a great honor for me to stand and address you today, at this special event, in my position as one of the successors of the Late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, a most visionary and courageous Governor of our dear Lagos State.

 

“Admiral Kanu led a remarkable life, starting from humble beginnings in Ovim Village, in today’s Abia State, almost 79 years ago, and making a name for himself with a distinguished military career whose highlights included, military Governorship of Imo and Lagos States, membership of the Supreme Military Council (the highest decision-making organ of the then military government), and senior leadership positions in the Naval Headquarters.

 

“Post-retirement, he commenced a new phase of his life as a champion of democracy, and a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which was at the forefront of the agitation for the actualization of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential elections. Kanu’s devotion to June 12 was indeed exemplary.

 

“I would also like to use this opportunity to specially recognize Rear Admiral Kanu’s NADECO comrades, some of whom are physically present here today and many ably represented. Indeed, we owe you all much gratitude for the selfless and tireless struggle which you all put up for the actualization and entrenchment of a truly democratic system of government in Nigeria. As Sir Isaac Newton once said: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. We acknowledge and appreciate all the NADECO giants.

 

“Coming back to the Rear Admiral’s life and times, it is interesting and perhaps very apt to note that even after the dawning of democracy, he continued to be a strong champion for the sustenance of the rule of law. In every chapter of his life, Rear Admiral Kanu showed true courage, strength and leadership.

 

“One thing that really struck me about the departed patriot, was his Spartan lifestyle. In spite of the several privileged public offices he occupied, he did not exploit them for personal aggrandizement.

“He lived a life devoid of the usual perks and privileges that one might associate with a two-time military Governor. He made himself available and accessible to everyone, regardless of class or status.

 

“He was also a completely detribalized Nigerian; a man who truly knew how to build cross-cultural and cross-regional bridges, a man who truly believed in the entity called Nigeria. Alongside this, he also was a man who loved his roots, was very proud of his origins, and was a proud and active member of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

 

“In his lifetime, one of the biggest and most popular parks in Lagos State, located in Alausa, Ikeja, was named after him — very fittingly, on the 21st anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 election.

 

“The idea behind the honour was to demonstrate to others that Lagos State will never forget its heroes. It is our hope that every time, outstanding and heroic leadership is recognized and rewarded, new leaders will be inspired to emerge and continue from where the departing generation left off.

 

“Rear Admiral Kanu has played his part and finished his race with distinction. We are indeed grateful to God for the life that he lived, and regard that life as a challenge to all of us, to give our best service to God and to humanity,” he stated.

 

In his tribute, the State Deputy Governor, Hamzat desceibed Kanu as a man who, “detested oppression and fought against military dictator between 1993-1999. He did not see June 12 as an ethnic battle.”

 

He added the late Kanu was man who touched many lives, saying “he lived his life for the good of the people.”

 

Gladys, the window of the deceased said, “he was not just a partner; he was my soulmate and my true love who was God fearing and good companion.”

 

She added, “He has left a huge void in my life and it is only God that can be a helping hand.”

 

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