A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Yemi Adediwura, on Friday, commiserated with the bereaved family of the late Director of Administration of the APC national secretariat, Adekunle Adeniyi, who lost his life while in the captivity of kidnappers.
The party stalwart in a statement made available to our reporter in Osogbo, Adediwura said, “To the family, friends, and all who mourn his loss, may you find solace in the cherished memories you have of Adekunle Adeniji.
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“His spirit will forever resonate in the halls of the APC and in the hearts of many who were touched by his kindness and leadership. The voice of justice and the call for peace that he championed will carry on through us, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for the Nigeria we all envision.
“As the news of his abduction captured the attention of the public and media alike, prayers and hopes for his safe return surged from every corner of Nigeria. Alas, the optimism that many held was extinguished too soon when we learned of his untimely death while still in captivity.
“The brutality of his loss highlights the urgent issues surrounding insecurity in our society, reminding us of the profound risks that public figures often face in the line of duty.
“In honor of Hon Dr. Adekunle Adeniji (Kongo), we pledge to stand firm in the ideals he fought for and to remember him not just in sorrow but also in our relentless pursuit of a brighter, safer, and more equitable Nigeria. Rest in peace, Kongo; your legacy will forever guide us.
“In reflecting on his legacy, we are reminded of the need for resilience, courage, and continued advocacy for peace and security in our nation. Dr. Kongo’s dedication to the principles of democracy and service is a legacy that we must honor by ensuring that his dreams for a better Nigeria live on. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life—a life that was characterised by purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to uplift the lives of others.
“With profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to all of you following the tragic and untimely passing of Hon Dr. Adekunle Adeniji, affectionately known as Kongo. His demise while in the captivity of kidnappers has left an indelible mark of grief and shock not only within the APC community but across the entirety of Ile-Ife and the Ife Kingdom.
“Adeniji was a dedicated leader, a stalwart of the APC, and an ardent advocate for the welfare of his people. His commitment to public service and his relentless pursuit of progress for the Ife Kingdom are testaments to his integrity and devotion.
“Throughout his career, he exemplified the values of compassion, resilience, and unwavering determination, traits that inspired many within the community and beyond. His contributions to the APC and his unwavering support for party principles have set a commendable precedent for future leaders.
“The circumstances surrounding his passing are a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges that persist in our nation, which affect the fabric of our communities and endanger lives. It is heart-wrenching to lose a man of such caliber to the senseless act of violence that kidnapping represents.
“Adeniji’s absence will be acutely felt among his colleagues, friends, and, most importantly, his beloved family. To his family, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and heartache you are enduring. Please know that you are not alone in this dark time; our thoughts and prayers are with you.
“As we mourn this significant loss, let us also take the time to celebrate the life of Hon Dr. Adeniji—a life devoted to the empowerment of others and the betterment of society.
“Let us remember his laughter, his wisdom, and the many lives he touched through his work and personal interactions. His legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his memory will persist in the hearts of all who believed in his vision for a brighter future.
“In this time of mourning, I urge everyone in Ile-Ife and the wider APC family to come together, to support one another, and to honor Dr. Adeniji’s memory by remaining steadfast in our commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
“Let us remember him as a man who stood for his beliefs and worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community. We must channel our grief into action, reinforcing our collective resolve to ensure that such tragedies cease to occur and that our communities remain safe and secure for all.
“The sudden and tragic passing of Hon Dr. Adekunle Adeniji, affectionately known as Kongo, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. A dedicated public servant and a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adeniji’s life was a testament to the values of integrity, commitment, and unwavering service to his community and country.”
“Adeniji distinguished himself not only as the Director of Administration at the APC national secretariat but also as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. His contributions to the party and to the nation at large cannot be overstated.
“With a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, Kongo was instrumental in various initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of his constituents and advancing the ideals of democracy in Nigeria. His relentless pursuit of good governance and accountability resonated deeply within the APC as well as the larger Nigerian polity.
“Beyond his administrative prowess, Dr. Adeniji was known for his warm personality and profound empathy towards others. He genuinely cared for the well-being of his colleagues, party members, and the citizens he served.
“Whether organising community outreach programs or engaging with party officials, Kongo’s hands-on approach and accessibility distinguished him as a leader dedicated to making a difference. His laughter and enthusiasm were infectious, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among those around him.”