The remains of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro has arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Wednesday for immediate burial.
The body of the diplomat flown in with a Nigerian Air Force plane, was draped in the national colours as a mark of honour for his service to Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq received the remains of the diplomat at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport Ilorin, supported by other dignitaries and family members of the deceased.
The burial rites were led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Soliu at the late Laro’s Bisala family compound, Okesuna in Ilorin.
Other dignitaries in attendance were; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Paris (France) superintending Economic and Consular Affairs, Muazam Nayaya; Deputy Head of Mission (France) Ambassador Tunde Mukaila Mustapha; and AbdulRazaq’s family led by the Governor’s elder brother and Mutawalle Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq and the Senator representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, Abuja, Saliu Mustapha.
In his condolence message, the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu said he is profoundly saddened by the news of the passing of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro.
He extended his deepest condolences to Ambassador Laro’s family, the diplomatic community, as well as the Government, and the people of Kwara State.
The President said; “he recognized Ambassador Laro’s tireless dedication in fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France during his tenure, noting his commitment to diplomacy and the impactful role he played in ensuring the success of the President’s visit to France in June this year, which was the President’s first foreign trip following his assumption of office.”
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God will continue to console Ambassador Laro’s family, friends, and colleagues while granting eternal rest to the departed soul.
The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also in his condolence message described Laro’s death as shocking and devastating and prayed to Allah to forgive him and grant him al-Jannah Firdaus.
The Deputy Head of Mission (France), Ambassador Tunde Mustapha who spoke to newsmen shortly after the burial rites said; “the late Laro was a complete gentleman and a diplomat par excellence.”
He prayed to Allah to grant the departed soul Aljannat Firdaus and console the family he left behind.
Similarly, Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari joined the family of Ambassador Kayode Laro, the government, and the people of Kwara state in mourning the demise of the country’s ambassador to France.
The former President described Ambassador Laro as an outstanding public officer who believed in strong Nigeria-France relationship.
He said; “the deceased diplomat left behind indelible marks on matters of governance and policy for which he will be remembered, saying that his term as ambassador marked an iconic moment in the relations between our two countries.”
The Late Ambassador Laro is survived by Hajia Idowu and three children.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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