As Nigeria mourns Amb. Olusola

President Goodluck Jonathan mourned the late Olusola describing  him as a patriot. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who spoke with newsmen on phone described Olusola’s death as a personal and painful loss. He said as a friend, “I know him to be a great community man who truly distinguished himself as a leader at Iperu. Obasanjo […]

President Goodluck Jonathan mourned the late Olusola describing  him as a patriot. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who spoke with newsmen on phone described Olusola’s death as a personal and painful loss. He said as a friend, “I know him to be a great community man who truly distinguished himself as a leader at Iperu.

Obasanjo said, “while his vacuum would be difficult to fill, his expected contribution to the world-class UNESCO category II cultural centre in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) will be missed.”

Chief Edem Duke, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, described his passing as a monumental loss to the country. He said  “Ambassador Olusola was a culture icon, a man of peace who believed strongly in Nigeria and in using the mechanism of culture to attain peaceful coexistence and enduring development.

On Olusola’s contributions to tourism and culture locally and internationally, Duke said “beginning with his days in broadcasting to his national assignment as a diplomat and his foray into social work as Founder and Chairman of African Refugee Foundation, the late Ambassador set for himself and kept faith with his clearly-defined role of advancing culture in its living and useful form.

“As a broadcaster, he created one of the longest running series in Nigerian television history ‘The Village Headmaster’, which highlighted the relevance and tenacity of several aspects of indigenous cultural values even in the face  of modernization.”

In the same light, Senate President, David Mark describes Olusola as a nationalist per excellence. Mark in a condolence message to the family, government and people of Ogun State, said the late ace broadcaster was a colossus who was passionate about the cultivation and preservation of Africa culture. He said the contributions of the philanthropist and efforts he made to sustain the nation’s cultural heritage would forever be remembered.

“Olusola played a fore front role in the promotion of African heritage and in upholding the sanctity of human dignity”, Mark said.

“As an ambassador, he distinguished himself and promoted the culture and image of Nigeria. He brought honour and pride to the nation. He continued in the same stead even after his retirement. Surely, we would miss his humour and robust life style. May God grant him an eternal rest in the bosom of Christ, and the family, the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, also mourns the demise of revered artiste while commiserating with President Jonathan and Ogun State.

A release signed by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Senator Amosun described Amb. Olusola as ‘a thoroughbred professional, consummate administrator and humanist extraordinaire, who distinguished himself in public life’.

He said Olusola’s ‘The Village Headmaster’, will remain a reference point for generations and a source of inspiration to thousands of young artistes.

“His service to humanity through the African Refugee Foundation (AREF), which he founded, brought succour and hope to many refugees. He prayed God to grant his family and the art community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Afolabi Adesanya, Nigerian Film Corporation boss said as a committed artiste and culture promoter, Ambassador Olusola leaves an indelible mark in the Nigerian creative industry through his landmark in the now rested long running television soap-drama ‘’The Village Headmaster’’, which he created.

A founding member of “Players of the Dawn,” an amateur outfit that dominated the theater scene until the end of the 1950’s decade, Chief Olusola was also an actor and playwright.

Born in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State on March 18, 1935, the ‘Take a trip’ presenter passed on at 77.