Tears flowed from the eyes of sympathizers, friends and family as the former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) Prof. Festus Iyayi was interred today at his hometown, Ugbegun in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
There was a brief funeral service at his residence before he was lower into the earth around 10:40 a.m.
It was a solemn service that had almost all ASUU leaders from different branches across the country were present.
Catholic Catechist, Peter Omijie, who officiated the service urged the family of the deceased to depend on God to provide for all their needs.
The priest told those at the funeral not to wail because “there is hope of seeing him again”.
According to him, the death of the physical body was not the end of life but the beginning of a new life and admonished the people to ponder over their spiritual destiny and where they will spend their eternity.
A former President of ASUU and Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega and other ASUU leaders witnessed the interment.
INEC boss described Iyayi as someone who has tremendous integrity and passion for progress and development of our country as one united country.
Jega said, “I worked very closely with Festus Iyayi. He was like a brother to me. He is one of the few Nigerians that I have known who has tremendous integrity and passion for progress and development of our country as one united country.
“He made tremendous sacrifices for the development of this country and reforms that can help ordinary Nigerians. It is a very sad loss to us especially people who have know him for a long time. It is a sad loss for this country. This country has lost a gem. One of the best and patriotic Nigerian,” Jega said.
Other notable dignitaries at the occasion were Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Abubakar Bagudu who represented the Senate, Professor Abhulimen Anao, former Vice Chancellor, UNIBEN, Chief Medical Director, UBTH, Prof. Michael Ibadin, ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, Dr. Dipo Fashina, former ASUU President, Ordia Ofeimu, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, former Attorney-General of Eo State, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana and UNIBEN lecturers.
