Kunle ADELABU
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late Lagos Central Area Comptroller, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Alhaja Lateefat Olaitan Giwa, who slumped and died while leaving her Lucky Fibre home in Ikorodu for office in the early hours of Thursday, November 1, 2018.
The late officer, who died at the age of 48 years, was said to be preparing for her daughter’s wedding in few weeks time.
Late Giwa joined the service of the Lagos State Government as a Scientific Officer II in 2000 and thereafter, seconded to LASTMA the same year as one of the agency’s founding officers.
She served as the Head of Operations, Olowu Zone and Area Commander, Ikorodu, before assuming the position of Area Comptroller, Lagos Central, the position she held untill her death.
Meanwhile, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, in a condolence message titled, ‘Goodnight, Officer of Hearts’, and released by the Public Unit of the Adeboruwa palace on his behalf, commiserated with the family of the deceased for the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of his Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the chiefs and good people of Igbogbo kingdom, we commiserate with the immediate family of Alhaja Lateefat Olaitan Giwa for the irreparable loss of their daughter, mother, wife, sister and grand mother.
“Until her death, Alhaja Giwa, a Senior LASTMA Officer, was a friend of the Adeboruwa, lover of culture and Igbogbo kingdom. A dedicated Officer and ever bubbling personality.
“May Almighty Allah grant her Al-janah Firdaus. Sleep tight, a patriotic Nigerian”, Adeboruwa palace prayed.
The Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, while expressing grief over the death of Alhaja Giwa, described her as one of his most trusted and dependable allies and someone who rendered outstanding service to humanity.
In a release titled, ‘I Lost Her’, and personally signed by himself, the three-term lawmaker stated:
“A Patriot, True and Reliable friend, is gone. One of my most trusted and dependable loyalists is no more.
“Very painful is your exit from our midst, but your outstanding service to Ikorodu, Lagos State and humanity at large will immortalize you forever.
“While I commiserate with your immediate family, I pray that God grants you eternal rest in the garden of peace of honour and give us the grace of the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“I will miss you Alhaja Lateefat Olaitan Giwa”, Hon. Agunbiade lamented.
Otunba (Sir) Ayodele Elesho, KJW, former Commissioner for Information and the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, while also expressing grief over Alhaja Giwa’s death, stated that he did not believe that the late dutiful officer is gone until he witnessed her remains being lowered into the grave.
“I never believed that this woman of substance died until I saw her corpse being buried.
“Alhaja Lateefat Giwa was a fine officer; dedicated, loyal and committed to her duties. She wweeksutiful wife to her husband; amiable mother to her children; a humble friend and above all, a pious Muslim.
“I pray to Almighty Allah to grant her Aljana Fridaus and also grant her husband, children, family, friends and colleagues the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Yeye Adeola Agunbiade, wife of the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, stated that late Giwa is going to be missed
“If only you could have stayed, Alhaja Lateefat Olaitan Giwa Osun. I never thought a spirit like you would fall down suddenly. I am at a loss for words particularly at this difficult times. I’ll miss you; he will miss you; we will miss you. I thank you for your part in my journey. Until we meet again to part no more…… Goodbye!
Hon Olu Omoniyi, in his own tribute, also stated:
“What an irreplaceable loss! An ‘angel’ pummeled through the vicarious gnashing teeth of a wicked death. Alhaja Olaitan Giwa… Rest in peace”.
