Bishop Oni Calls for Immortalisation of Late Governing Council Member Steve Awosika at AFUED

The Lord Bishop, Diocese of Ondo Anglican .Communion in Ondo State, Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Stephen Adeniran Oni has appealed to the authorities of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, to honour Mr. Steve Olamide Awosika by immortalising his name in the institution.

The late Mr. Steve Olamide Awosika, was a member of the institution's Governing Council before his demise.

Bishop Oni made the appeal, while speaking at both the Christian wake ceremony, held on Thursday February 5, 2026 at Osebosola Fajemirokun Memorial Hall, FFF, Oka, Ondo City, as well the funeral service organised in memory of the late former Permanent Secretary Ondo State Ministry of Education on Friday, February 6, 2026 at the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, Oke- Aluko, Ondo City, Ondo State.

The renowned cleric, said the appeal for the immortalisation of the name of Awosika in the institution, was made in recognition of his (Awosika's) contributions to the development of the institution.

Meanwhile, in a sermon delivered during the funeral ceremony by a former Archbishop of the Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Rt. Revd. Prof. Gabriel Latunji Lasebikan, he described the death of Mr. Steve Olamide Awosika as monumental tragedy saying giving his pedigree, the late AFUED Governing Council member" died too early".

The renowned religious leader described the late school proprietor as a man of impeccable character, forth right, dependable, truthful and honest.

Describing death as a cessation of life, the retired Archbishop Lasebikan, therefore admonished people to exhibit good character while living on earth "in order to have a place with Jesus in heaven".

Quoting several passages from the Holy Bible in I Corinthians chapter 15 verse 19, Hebrew 13 V 14, I Thessalonians Chapter 4 V 13 to mention but few, to buttress his points, the religious leader spoke on inevitability of death, and admonished the wife, children and family of the deceased, not to despair, but to take solace in the fact that the late Awosika lived a life worthy of emulation as a defender of the truth, and a soldier of Christ" who served the Lord diligently during his sojourn on earth."

The revered cleric, used the occasion to advise people in the position of authority, to exhibit righteousness, truth and forthrightness during the period of their stewardship, by remembering that no position is permanent as "they would one day relinquish the position they currently occupy" .

He also stressed the need for people to have a good relationship with God, rather than focussing on personal achievements stating that" everything we acquired on earth, we will leave them behind one day''.

The retired Archbishop Lasebikan also warned against fraudulent acquisition of wealth, saying the development could lead to separation between those who do that, and the Almighty God. He advised people who are well to do, to always remember the poor, and to give their life to Jesus saying "the most essential part of your life is the spirit of Christ in you, the moment we die, it goes to where it would go appropriately, therefore give your life to Jesus and be sure you are in him. Let us be prepared ", he remarked.

Meanwhile, several prominent individuals from all walks of life including the Vice-Chancellor AFUED, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has made glowing tributes about the late Mr. Steve Olamide Awosika at an event tagged: "Evening of Tributes ", organised by AFUED Alumni Association.

In his tribute, the AFUED VC, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, described the late Mr. Steve Olamide Awosika as a man of integrity and defender of truth, who lived a life worthy of emulation.

Similarly, the immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor AFUED, Prof. Samuel Akintunde also eulogised the late educationist, describing him as a very kind man, who is always ready to assist people.

Other eminent personalities who eulogised the late AFUED Governing Council member included Dr. Olowogboyega Festus Oyebade, President Global Council AFUED Alumni Association, Dr. Yemi Olugbamigbe, Dr. Charles Omotayo, Barr. Robert Oluwamayokun, immediate past Chairman, AFUED Alumni Home branch and Chief Odun Fadoju to mention but few.

The two-day events were attended by important personalities from the academia, political circles, government establishments, religious organisations among others.