There were torrents of tributes on Wednesday when family, friends, representatives from Buni-Yadi Foundation, professional colleagues, legal community, church of God and associates trooped out to honour a legal practitioner and businessman, late Pastor Niyi Ayoola-Daniels during a service of songs held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ICC Parish, Games village, Abuja.
The deceased was the husband of Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, the Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms, Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja.
Giving a sermon at the service, the presiding Pastor, Tunde Benjamins-Laniyi described the deceased as a good man with good heart, who served God and humanity till he breathed his last, urging the wife, children, family, friends and associates to be comforted by the holy spirit.
Taking his scripture from
Act 13: 36,Benjamins-Laniyi charged brethren on the need to take a cue from the late Niyi by impacting life and leaving good legacy,”
Entitled ‘Remodifying your legacy’, the clergy further prayed the Lord to grant the family fortitude to bear the departure of a precious soul.
The clergy spoke further in his sermons: “Some came into your life and leave a bitter taste, while some come and leave it better, with joy, blessings and unspeakable experience. That was the case of our brother, who just passed.
“I give glory to God that our paths crossed. He was a committed family man who loved God and the church. In short, it is a night of celebration for a good man and a fabulous father.
” He was known and celebrated in our midst and would never be forgotten for his roles in the Lords sanctuary.
“Like the biblical David, the deceased always honour God with his dance and signature talking drum.
“Though he would be sorely missed by me, my family, but we took solace in the fact that he is with the Lord,”
In a tribute laced with emotion, the wife of the deceased, Mrs Ayoola-Daniels, recalled with nostalgia their amazing marriage.
She narrated how her husband became her mentor, teacher, who inspired her and the children with his way of life devoted to God, family, and humanity.
Leticia, who described his passing as the most traumatic period of her life, added: ” He was the best husband and cutest sweet heart, who together, we had mapped out a brighter future.
But as he was always saying, every breath is a grace from God.
“I have countless memories of his love, selflessness, and valuable lessons.
“The pain of losing you is overwhelming, but I will strive to keep our family bond stronger as directed by you,” the wife said.
Both Oluwatosin and Oluwatobi, the daughter and son, who took the first and second bible reading from 1st Thessalonians 4: 13-18 and Mathew 25: 11-14 respectively, said their father would be remembered for being a special dad, who loves his children, wife, and other children around him.
“Thank you for being a kind father to us. We will always remember your love, your kindness, and the impact in our lives from childhood till now,” they chorused.
While also paying a tribute to the departed soul, a colleague and family friend, Hon Justice (Mrs) Stella Anukam, who is also a judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights in Arusha, Tanzania praised the late Niyi, saying he could not only navigates challenges and approaches every hurdles with vigour and excellence, she added that the deceased was result-oriented.
For the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the deceased, was a versatile person, who was always ready to offer solution to problems.
“We are family friends and so our daughters.
“Anybody who knows Leticia knows how lovely they were, I urge her to take solace in the fact that he would be remembered for his humanity, spirituality, professionalism, and legacy left behind.
Others who paid glowing tribute at the ceremony were Mr Tunde Babalola, Barrister Charles Odenigbo of the Men Fellowship of RCCG, a friend and business partner, Dr David Ige, Dr Timothy Okon, Mrs Bisi Taiwo-Idowu among others.
Of particular reference was the testimonies and tributes delivered by
Zakari Ibrahim, a representative and one of the beneficiaries of the Buni Yadi Foundation, a brain-child of the late Niyi and Leticia.
The deceased, according to family sources, departed the world a few days ago after a brief illness.