Tears flowed freely as the remains of late Col. (Sir) John Yahaya Madaki were laid to rest penultimate Saturday in Gawu-Babangida, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Virtually everybody spoke glowingly about the deceased but two A-class dignitaries, chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited, Sir Lucky Omoluwa and former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar attracted attention as they broke down in tears while extolling the virtues of the late Madaki.
First to weep was Modibbo. Hardly had he mounted the rostrum to pay tribute to his erstwhile role model than he betrayed emotion and wept uncontrollably. He was consoled by friends and ushered back to his seat.
Others took their turns to eulogise the late Colonel until the Pinnacle boss was invited to the rostrum. Omoluwa walked majestically as he headed to the pulpit but his confidence evaporated as he slowed down his pace impulsively; he put himself together and showered encomiums on the deceased for a life well-spent but as he tried to recall a memory, he broke down and wept irrepressibly.
Omoluwa has an inextinguishable love for the Madakis. In spite of his busy schedule, he volunteered himself as the vice-chairman of the burial organising committee to ensure that Col Madaki had a befitting burial.
By Jimmy Enyeh
