With gratitude to GOD Almighty for a life well lived, I receive the news of the transition of this rare gem and shining star.
During 1979 to 1983, we were regaled with stories of the selfless, diligent, visionary and hardworking LKJ. His life journey is the type of which folklores are written. He is my hero from afar in those days.
When in 2002 during the formation of REDAN(Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria), at Old CHELSEA HOTEL Abuja, for which he stooped to lead as it’s first President, I had the opportunity of interacting with, and serving under him as the South East Coordinator, I considered myself to have been given a golden opportunity to learn and improve on my life philosophy and perspective on issues. I was not disappointed one bit.
His focused lifestyle, optimism, diligence and hardwork rubbed off on me greatly. He inspired me to seek to lead REDAN and enhance the operating environment towards having a strong Institution capable of being the Manager of the interests of all stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem.
I am glad that during my tenure as REDAN President, we were able and privileged to institute the Annual Lecture Series in his memory, and he was able to attend the first two lectures. We would have been heartbroken if it was done posthumously.
His life and times is definitely a challenge to us all who know him; have been impacted by him; have heard of him etc, to ask ourselves, ‘what will be my life story on the day of my transition’. Itnis not too late for the living to live out a selfless and highly positively impactful life on earth.
Adieu Papa LKJ. Be assured that we shall prayerfully, sacrificially and diligently continue with the Vision of selfless and courageous service for mankind, from where you stopped.