Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has expressed deep sadness over the death of Prof. Idowu Sobowale.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday, Mohammed described Sobowale as an “accomplished professional, wise counsellor, dear friend and valued colleague”.
He said Sobowale’s contributions to public service and education would remain unforgettable.
Mohammed recalled the uniquely cordial relationship he shared with the deceased.
He said Sobowale served as Special Adviser on Education to then Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu while he was Chief of Staff.
Mohammed said their cordial relationship continued even after they both left the cabinet.
“I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Prof. Idowu Sobowale.
“He was not only a highly respected professional but also a dear friend.
“He was the Special Adviser on Education to then Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu when I was the Chief of Staff.
“We had a uniquely good relationship which continued even after we both left the cabinet,” he said.
The former minister said Sobowale’s experience, having served under former Governor Lateef Jakande, was invaluable to the administration.
He said Sobowale brought a wealth of experience, wisdom and a deep understanding of education and public service to his assignment.
Mohammed said Sobowale’s death was a loss to his family, friends and the wider community of educationists, communication scholars and public servants.
He commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends and associates, praying that God would grant Sobowale eternal rest.
Mohammed also prayed that God would give the deceased’s family the strength to bear the loss.
Sobowale, a renowned journalist, communication scholar and former Lagos Commissioner for Education, died on October 8, aged 85.
He was a pioneer of opinion polling in Nigerian journalism and shaped generations of media professionals and scholars.
I lost dear friend, valued colleague in Sobowale – Lai Mohammed