Former Governor of Lagos State and National leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu in his tribute said Pa Molade Okoya Thomas’ death saddens him deeply. According to Tinubu, “he was too good, too humane, quiet unassuming and extremely generous with his time and resources. His breed is very rare. I am deeply saddened by his demise.”

Tinubu who was one of the early visitors to register his condolence at the home of the late industrialist of the CFAO fame went back memory lane, saying that Lagos will never forget him for his contributions to building a Lagos that is strong and self reliant. “He was of the first generation of elites who laid the foundation for Lagos and for decades was a good ambassador for Lagos. He touched many lives and many Lagos residents will never forget him”, he said

Lagos state has lost a rare gem —Lagos House of Assembly

On its part, the Lagos State House of Assembly said until his death, Chief Okoya-Thomas was prominent in service to his fatherland and Lagos in particular.

A statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Lagos House of Assembly Hon Segun Olulade, said Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas would be greatly missed in many sectors of our society describing Chief Thomas as a successful business mogul and business model for many successful Nigerians.

“Chief Thomas who attained the pinnacle of his career was a billionaire who had strong passion for sports development and he did impact very well on the younger generation who aspired to distinguish themselves in career sport. He was a renowned philanthropist, a socialite, elder-states man and career model”, Olulade said.

The Epe Constituency II representative Lawmaker Hon Olulade said Chief Okoya Thomas lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation by class of the younger generation who wished to stand-out in his career particularly business and industry.

Olulade said the government and people of Lagos State will definitely miss the icon and it would take another generation to produce the match Chief Molade. He noted that his demise came when Lagos state needed his wealth of experience most and that the vacuum created by Chief Okoya-Thomas will not be filled so soon.

“Achievements and contributions of the late billionaire were too numerous to mention both to Lagos State and the nation in general. I remembered that he served as vice-chairman, Lagos State Sports Council, President Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Chairman 3rd All-Africa Games Appeal Fund Committee, Chairman National Appeal Fund for Sports Development and chairman Sports Trust Fund among others. He also built and donated a Modern Sports Hall for students and staff of the Lagos State University and was sponsor of the Asoju-Oba Table Tennis competition until his demise”, Olulade recounted.

Olulade on behalf of Lagos State House of Assembly expressed deep condolence to the entire Lagosians and the family of the late icon.

An uncommon patriot— Ikuforiji

Speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji has also described late Chief Okoya-Thomas as “an uncommon patriot, a foremost sports administrator, an industrialist of uncommon pedigree and a philanthropist, whose great contributions towards human and sports development can never be wished away in a hurry.”

Ikuforiji in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Adebayo yesterday said

“the sudden demise of this uncommon patriot, a juggernaut in the socio-economic and human development has robbed our nation of one of her very best citizens ever to emerge on this part of the planet.

“For a man who totally dedicated his entire life to our nation and her people makes him an uncommon son of Nigeria and Lagos State, a hero of all seasons . It is on record for instance that the sports philanthropist has in the last four decades single-handedly sponsored the Annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship that has produced several international stars for our State and country, simply because he believed that nothing could be greater than devoting one’s life to the promotion of healthy development for the nation’s teeming youths” , added Ikuforiji.

Ikuforiji maintained that Chief Okoya-Thomas would be sorely missed for his love for youths, education, sports, and industrial development in the country. And that his high regard for cultural values and traditional institutions in the country is one area that the great Chief Okoya-Thomas impacted in most uncommon way.

“It is regrettable that the nation will be missing him at this crucial period of the nation’s political re-engineering. Much as we would have loved to have him with us for many more years to come, we however take solace in the fact that he lived a happy and fulfilled life devoted to humanity.

“On the solemn occasion of this great loss therefore, I on behalf of my family, all my fellow legislators , the entire management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly commiserate with the family of this great son of Lagos State and Nigeria and indeed the people and government of Lagos State,. May the Almighty God grant his great soul eternal bliss, Ikuforiji said.