LAI Mohammed, minister of Information and Culture, has described the death of Adebayo Faleti, a renowned author, poet, broadcaster and actor, as a huge loss to the country’s Creative Sector in particular and to the entire nation in general.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, July 24, the minister said Faleti was a trailblazer and a colossus across many genres, who left an indelible footprint in the Nigerian landscape.

He said generations of authors, poets, broadcasters and actors owe Faleti a debt of gratitude for his dedication, hard work and love of country.

Mohammed commiserated with the family and friends of the departed, as well as all practitioners in the sector, and prayed that God would comfort them and grant repose to the soul of the departed.

Reacting to the death of the Yoruba iconoclast, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Sunday condoled with family and relatives Faleti.

In a statement by Yomi Layinka, his special adviser on Communication and Strategy, the governor described the death of Faleti as shocking and devastating, saying the deceased was a repository of Yoruba culture and tradition, and a good ambassador of the state.

“Even though Baba Faleti died at the ripe age of 86, his passing away is very unfortunate, disheartening and sad. Part of the things that endeared him to my heart was his simple lifestyle, his dislike for material wealth and commitment to the progress of the Yoruba race,” the governor said.

“Instead of allowing his humble background to serve as a barrier for his career progression, Chief Faleti defied all odds and ensured that he trained himself up to the university level even at a time when education was not too attractive.

“As a pioneer staff of the first television station in Africa, Western Nigeria Television, WNTV, he exhibited his dexterity in broadcasting, while he imparted morals in the younger generation through his various books, poems and acting.

“It was in recognition of his contributions to the development of Yoruba culture and tradition that the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON.’’

Similarly, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State described the death of the veteran broadcaster and actor as sad.

The governor described the deceased as a zealous promoter of culture, noting that his works would always be cherished.

Amosun in a condolence message issued on his behalf by Adedayo Adeneye, Ogun State commissioner for Information and Strategy, stated that the poet and writer would be remembered for his contributions to the birth and growth of the broadcast industry, particularly the television.

“His role as one of the pioneers of the Western Nigeria Television, the first television station in Africa and a consistent television personality, made him a pride to broadcast industry,” the governor said, adding: “Baba Faleti, as a broadcaster, poet and writer targeted his energy at the promotion of culture and his death at this time is regrettable.

“His sound wisdom would have been valuable now that we are all battling to restore our fading traditional values.

“He will be missed by all Nigerians, especially broadcast and theatre practitioners, who regard him as a role model.”

—  Jul 24, 2017 @ 13: GMT