Press Releases

Fashola, Tinubu, Others Extol Virtues Of Okoya Thomas At 75

Jun 8, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Tuesday described business mogul and Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Sir Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas as a very true icon of Lagos.

Governor Fashola who spoke at the City Hall, Lagos during a State Dinner organised by the Lagos State Government in honour of Chief Molade Okoya- Thomas who turned 75 added that he is a man of gargantuan generousity and philantrophy who has touched the lives of many.

He noted that Chief Okoya-Thomas has given meaning to the lives of many people through his mentoring and age-long sponsorship of the Asoju Oba Table Tennis Competition.

The Governor said the dinner was a small way of saying thank you to the philanthropist by the present administration in Lagos State and the past Governors for being a resolute confidant and supporter at all times.

He added that it was in confirmation of this gesture that the State Government decided to name the Indoor Sports Hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium after him for his invaluable contribution to the State.

Also speaking, former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the celebrant as a model of kindness, productivity and philanthropy of no comparison, saying he is a man of very impactful ideas.

Asiwaju Tinubu recalled that during the year 1999 to 2000 when his administration faced several challenges on account of the introduction of property taxes and Land Use Charge, Chief Okoya- Thomas was one of those who championed the cause for the State.

Asiwaju Tinubu said the same scenario played out during the return of mission schools when Chief Molade Okoya- Thomas assisted in quenching so many fires on behalf of the administration then on its quest to return the public schools to its former owners.

Also speaking, a former colleague of the celebrant at CFAO and Chairman of Elizade motors, Chief Michael Adeojo described him as a wonderful giver who is a good trader with God.

Later in his remarks, the celebrant thanked the Lagos State Governor and his predecessors for the honour done to him adding that he feels highly elated and fulfilled.

The colourful event had in attendance dignitaries like the Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former First Lady, Chief Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, members of the State Executive Council, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, former Justice George Oguntade and many other notables.