News of the death of Hon. Abdulateef Suleiman which occurred today after a brief illness came as great shock to me.

Hon. Suleiman, or Lati as he is more popularly known, is a foundation member of the New Direction who joined the team from the very beginning. We traversed the whole of Kogi State together under the leadership of the Governor at a time when not many believed in this Project or gave it any chance.

Lati was so disciplined and self-controlled you could call him a great calm in the middle of a storm. He habitually treated everyone with respect, carried his proximity to power with humility and displayed genuine trustworthiness. He faced challenges with patience and could be depended upon to execute assignments with excellence.

This light of this wonderful man was dimmed this morning by death, but the warmth of his life and personality will remain forever in the hearts of all the lives he touched, including our boss, whom he served faithfully to the end.

I render my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on this painful exit.

May the Almighty God bring solace to your family and loved ones at this unfathomable loss.

You will be fondly remembered Lati my guy.

Rest In Peace.

EDWARD ONOJA
DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE