TRIBUTE TO A MENTOR, A LEADER AND A FRIEND PDG OLUGBEMIGA OLUTAYO OLOWU
Words fail me to say the least, I never imagine for once, a time like this will come too soon, you were the exact definition of a True Leader and a mentor anyone can ever wish for. My heart is broken as I pen down my first ever tribute in my over three decades of existence.
You were my First Class District Governor, while I served my Rotaract club as president the year Rotary asked us to Engage Rotary and Change Lives, which you did with your calm and articulated leadership styles, you were a district governor to all and hence I have always called you “My Own DG”.
You saw the leadership trait in me and advise me not to stay too long in Rotaract if I have the means to be in rotary, taking up your advice made me join Rotary almost immediately.
You didn’t stop there, as you helped nurture my leadership capabilities seeing that I wasn’t just a club Rotarian as you challenged me by having me serve in some committee at the district level, so others can see how vibrant and resourceful I am which has seen me as a constant member of the Rotary Family Health Days Committee since 2015 till date that made me refer to you, DG Bola Oyebade, PAG Ben Okhumale, AG Sola Benson, PP Yinka Adeogun and myself as a family. I never thanked you enough for this and many more advice you gave me for no penny.
The news of your demise came as a shocker to me when I heard it that Saturday evening of the 19th of December, I couldn’t believe me nor did I stop crying but at the long run, I got solace haven heard that you died doing what you know how to do best, Rotary Duty “Service to Humanity”, also my comfort came from the fact that I knew somewhere in me, that you are resting in the lord for all your service to mankind has surely paid off.
I can’t question God for whom am I to ask Him why He did what He did, He sure knows best, all I can do is pray that God in His infinite mercies, grant you eternal rest, be with your darling wife, immediate and extended family members, all Rotarians, Rotaractors, Family of Rotary of District 9110, entire Rotary Nigeria and Rotary International the fortitude to bear this great lost.
Igi nla wo, E ni re lo, the vacuum you left behind the hearts of so many of us can and will never be forgotten anytime soon, we will surely miss you PDG Olugbemiga Olutayo Olowu, Sun Re o Omo Olowu.
