Blair, Wife Commiserate With Adesina Over Mother’s Death

Former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie have commiserated with the president of African Development Bank (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina over the death of his mother, Eunice Adesina.

Blair and his wife expressed their profound admiration for Mrs Adesina for her life, achievements and extraordinary grace and character.

Mrs Adesina started school at Ijebu Igbo where she showed a strong ability for learning and scholarship, something which no doubt helped her return to her Alma Mater Otubu Memorial School as a qualified teacher in 1949.

Blair said: “she was much loved and respected as a teacher; but it is a tribute to her industry and determination, that she was not content simply to be a teacher but decided to start her own business.

“Her initial ventures were in dress making, in Lagos, later in Osogbo setting up an Institute for dress making no less and achieving significant success.

“She later moved as a result of the relocation of husband Pa Roland to Ibadan and this time stepped into the field of general merchandise and then again food and catering.

“Her character was such that she always had at the heart of her activities her faith and her family. She was a committed Christian active in her local church, working in local Christian societies right up until her passing,” he said in a condolence letter to Mr Adesina.

Blair further stated that “We all have the time on this earth allocated by God to us. Each life has its own events, memories and experiences. The key is in what we impart of ourselves to others, in what we give as well as take, in the service, care and compassion that we show. Because the effect of that lives after us, and if we have spent our allotted time well in a good life, that makes its mark and impression on the world around us, adding to the stock of goodwill, providing light in times of darkness, by example showing the path to follow.

“Mama Eunice lived such a life. Those lucky enough to know her, to have her spirit touch them, will have learnt from her, be made better by her, so that in time, they can pass on something of that spirit to others.”