Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday described the passing of former Finance Minister, Onaolapo Soleye as a great loss to Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
The former Minister died on Wednesday, four days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
Soleye was a former Minister of Finance between 1984 and 1985 during the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari.
At a time, he also served as Commissioner for Finance and Industry in Ogun State.
His death was announced in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Wednesday by his family.
Governor Abiodun in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, said Soleye’s invaluable contributions to the financial sector of Nigeria and his home state, Ogun, will forever remain green in the memory.
“Dr. Soleye’s remarkable career in public service, spanning several decades, exemplified his unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Nigeria.
“As Minister of Finance, he played a crucial role in shaping our nation’s economic policies, implementing reforms, and fostering sustainable growth.
“His visionary leadership and expertise were instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities of our evolving economy.
“Dr. Soleye’s demise leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. He will be remembered as a statesman, a mentor, and a role model for future generations to come. His wisdom, integrity, and dedication to public service serve as an inspiration to us all.
“On behalf of the government and people of the state, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the nonagenarian.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for excellence and work towards a better Nigeria,” Governor Abiodun said.
Also, Abiodun’s predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has joined the people of Ogun State and other well-meaning Nigerians, to mourn the passing of Dr. Soleye.
In a press statement he personally signed, Amosun noted the remarkable accomplishments Dr. Soleye recorded in his teaching career and public service.
The statement read, “I mourn the passing, earlier today, Wednesday, 15 November, 2023, of Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, a respected Elder Statesman, and an illustrious son of Owu Kingdom and Egbaland. Dr. Soleye died barely four days after he celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, 11 November, 2023.
“Dr. Onaolapo Soleye belonged to the class of eminent indigenes of Ogun State who were renowned for blazing the trail in their careers, professions, and other spheres of human endeavours.
“A foremost academician, Dr. Soleye made invaluable contributions to the education sector, where he mentored and impacted knowledge, morals and sound discipline in the generation of students who passed through his academic tutelage as a Lecturer at the University of Ibadan.
“Dr. Onaolapo Soleye would also be remembered for the remarkable accomplishments he recorded during his meritorious service as Commissioner of Industry in the old Western Region, Commissioner for Industry and Finance in Ogun State, and as Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he discharged himself credibly well and contributed immensely to the financial re-engineering of our nation, especially during the challenging times of Naira devaluation and redesign in 1984. In all of these, his life and times epitomized service to Ogun State, Western Region, and our nation, Nigeria.
“I commiserate with his wife, Mama Modupe Soleye, his children, grandchildren, and the entire family. May the good Lord grant Dr. Onaolapo Soleye eternal rest.