Editors, Family, Friends Pay Tribute to Remi Oyo at 10th Remembrance Service

Ayodeji Ake

Media professionals, Catholic faithful, friends and family members yesterday gathered to    honour late Dame Oluremi Oyo, with a  thanksgiving service  to mark  10 years  of her death at the Catholic Church of Presentation,  Ikeja.

Oyo, a President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and the presidential spokesperson during the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, died on October 1, 2014.

The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY/ARISE News Channel Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena,   was well represented at the event by the Managing Director of THISDAY, Mr. Eniola Bello and THISDAY Ombudsman, Mr. Kayode Komolafe.

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M Ali, was represented by the Head of Lagos Office, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi.

A former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Chief Stephen Oronsaye; NGE President, Mr Eze Anaba, and former presidential spokespersons, Messrs Reuben Abati and Femi Adesina, were  equally at the service.

In a sermon, Rev. Fr. Vincent Olofinkua of the Catholic Church of Presentation,  described Oyo as a distinguished human being who impacted many lives.

“Oyo’s life, times and legacies ought to resonate in people’s daily approach to life to make a better society,” the cleric said.

He described Oyo as generous and humane, adding that she used her position and resources to help people across tribes and backgrounds.

“Oyo was a woman of unwavering faith,  generousity and kindness, a woman of talents both in the church and public service.

“She played vital role in shaping NAN.

“Her faith in the Catholic Church was unparalleled.

” As we reflect on the life of our beloved Felicia Oluremi Oyo, we should keep her legacy alive by being humane,” he admonished.

Reminiscing, the  son of the deceased, Otome Oyo, said his mother was a problem solver who was always interested in helping people in her little way.

He said: “It’s awful when I think about my mother. Its sweet bitter that she is no more but it’s also sweet when we see the number of lives she has impacted. A number of people here give a sense of accomplishment.

“My hope for everyone is that we all live to emulate the things she stood for and continue to practice the faith that she believed, put  it into work and impact the lives of people around us.

“She was someone who will never overlook anyone with problem without intervening. She was always there to listen and assist.”