One of Nigeria‘s finest, Dr Michael Omotosho whose imprints in humanitarian services is literally speaking, being felt all over Nigeria, answered the eternal call on 4 June 2022. While alive, the Late Omotosho championed different causes including his indelible footprints in the struggle to combat hepatitis.
Below are tributes from his colleagues at the Nigeria Zero Hepatitis Commission.
He Was Compassionate, Visionary, Says Prof Rotimi Jaiyesimi
I met Dr Michael Omotosho in 2015. He had been the Karifest Man of the Year, 2015, an award he had received in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria. I succeeded him as the 2016 Karifest Man of the Year and he presented the award to me at a ceremony held in Abuja. Our relationship grew thereafter as friends and as a trusted brother.
He, alongside members of the Board of Advisors of the Nigerian Commission of the Hepatitis Zero project, appointed me as Chairman of the Board of Advisors.
Mike Omotosho, a pharmacist was the President of the Nigerian Commission of the World Hepatitis Eradication Project whose goal is to eradicate viral Hepatitis B and C by 2030.
Hepatitis, a viral disease of the liver causes cirrhosis and cancer. There are about 20 million Nigerians living with hepatitis, most unaware of their disease status.
1.4 million people die globally of Hepatitis and Hepatitis-related illnesses annually, with 4000 people dying daily. Thousands of Nigerians die annually from this preventable ant treatable condition. This was of great concern to Dr Mike Omotosho.
He led the Nigerian Hepatitis Eradication Commission with vision, passion and integrity. He applied the Four-Way Test of the Rotary Club International of promoting high ethical standards in this professional project.
Big Mike as he was affectionately called, was committed to offering free screening services and affordable treatment to Nigerians across the six geo-political zones. This he successfully led as President of the Nigerian Commission. This was acknowledged by his appointment as the Hepatitiszero representative to the African Union.
Dr Mike Omotosho, a gentleman and philanthropist was a compassionate and visionary leader. The Hepatitis Zero Nigerian Commission will miss him greatly and promise to carry on with the mission of eradicating hepatitis from Nigeria by 2030.
We pray that God comforts your family and friends. Sleep peacefully Michael Omotosho.
—-Prof Jaiyesimi, Chairman, Board of Advisors, Hepatitis Zero Nigerian Commission.
A tribute to my DG, my National President, my Mentor Dr. Michael Olufemi Omotosho AKS, District 9125 Governor Emeritus. Just like the theme for our Rotary year (2015-16), You were truly a Gift to the World. You remained strong till the end, when I asked how you were really doing, you would respond „Confident and svelte as always“. It is normal to weep but I pray almighty God comforts everyone who loved you to remember we must celebrate you always.
Hauwa Abbas Hadejia
Special Advisor NW
Hepatitis Zero Nigerian Commission
People ask if you died of Hepatitis and if that‘s why you started the Commission and I smile because that‘s how committed you were to the project.
You had no reason to do it but you did and like every other thing in your life, you did exceptionally well.
You set a standard, You were selfless. An exemplary leader indeed. It‘s impossible to fill the shoes you have left behind but we will try.
Rest Well Sir
Victoria Adeayo Olaitan
Secretary
Hepatitis Zero Nigerian Commission
I use to call him ‚ Your Excellency and he calls me ‚Prof‘ …. that was how close we were . He was dogged, brave and strong in what ever he believed and never really complained even when things were not going the way he expected. He was a man of all possibilities always cheerful and always hoping that the best would surely come, so we could get on with life. This was my hope too.
This handsome man, inside and out, was a wonderful friend to me and my family, with his gentle and caring nature.
One of his beliefs in life was the importance of being authentic with people, saying what needed to be said because it’s good for the relationship and for the soul.
Also, I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.
My friend was loving and real, his magnetic smile will be missed by all who knew him.
His handsome spirit will live on through his children, and they will always know how much he loved them.
Now my hope is that he rest in peace knowing he did all that he could and that his children will be fine.
When we love people it’s so comforting to know that they will always be with us in our hearts. Hmmmmm but alas the big Mike is not with us in flesh and blood but in our hearts in spirit.
Farewell my friend and brother, you have left us to deal with the pains, tears and sorrows associated with this world.
It’s time for you to go and rest in the bossom of the Lord.
Your friendship was a blessing, and I will miss you so much.
We shared so many secrets.
You brightened up my days.
You brought me so much happiness
With your kind and loving ways.
Rest in peace, your excellency .
Emmanuel Abi Couson
Special Advisor, Media
Hepatitis Zero Nigerian Commission
