She will be sorely missed, Ogun gov mourns Alaba Lawson

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun called the death of Chief Alaba Lawson, the Iyalode of Yorubaland a great loss for the country

Lawson, the creator of the well-known Alaba Lawson Group of Schools in Abeokuta and a former national president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, passed away early on Saturday.

However, Abiodun stated in a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, that he was shocked to learn of the commercial tycoon, educational entrepreneur, and administrator’s passing.

He did, however, express comfort in the knowledge that the departed left significant markers spanning a wide range of Nigeria’s terrain and would be remembered for being a blessing to

He added that as an epitome of excellence, the late Lawson represented the best of Nigerian womanhood and was a model to generations of women.

The statement read in part: “The passing of Chief Alaba Lawson is without doubt a shocking development, but we are consoled by her sterling record of service to humanity and unblemished contributions to the development of Ogun State.

“Born into the highly distinguished Jibolu-Taiwo family of Abeokuta, Chief Lawson was an exemplar of the popular Yoruba dictum of one born into nobility but who goes on to achieve self-rebirth, showcasing the timeless Omoluabi qualities that the Yoruba hold so dear.

 “From her education in Nigeria to her sojourn in the United Kingdom, teaching in several schools while studying at the St. Nicholas Montessori Teachers’ Training College at Prince’s Gate, England in 1973 where she set a record by becoming the first African to obtain a First Class Diploma in Education, Chief Alaba Lawson showcased uncommon commitment to excellence.

“When she returned home, she established a string of schools that have shaped the lives of generations of students and contributed immensely to Ogun State’s profile as Nigeria’s education capital.

“Whether as the first female president of NACCIMA, chairman of the board of the Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State;  Otun Iyalode of the Egba Christians, or the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Lawson was the quintessential definition of a pacesetter. She was thoroughly accomplished and distinguished.

“Among other imperishable legacies, the Lawson’s Group of Schools comprising Lawson’s International Private School, Lawson’s Continuing Education Centre, Alaba Lawson Royal College, Abeokuta and Alaba Lawson School of Advanced Studies will continue to bear eloquent testimony to her genius.

“She will be sorely missed.”