Babatunde Osotimehin passes on at 68, government, UNFPA, NACA, others mourn

Eulogies have continued to pour in for the first Director General (DG) of the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), former Minister of Health and Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, who passed away early yesterday morning in New York, United States (U.S.).

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday expressed shock and sadness over his death.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo extended condolences to his wife, children and the entire family over the passage of their beloved father, grandfather and also an illustrious Nigerian.

The Acting President also commiserated with the staff of the UNFPA and the entire UN on the demise of the international public servant.

UNFPA yesterday on its website, noted: “With profound sadness, UNFPA, announces that its Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, passed away suddenly at his home last night. He was 68 years old. He was married, had five children and several grandchildren.

“This is a devastating loss for UNFPA and for the people, especially women, girls and youth, he dedicated his life to serving, starting from when he became a doctor in Nigeria. UNFPA expresses its deep sympathy to his family and prays that they have the fortitude to bear this great loss.’’

Also, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has described as shocking the news of Osotimehin’s sudden demise.

Adewole, in a statement, said Osotimehin while in office as the minister of health, was at the forefront of the advocacy for improved reproductive health care in the country and will be remembered for his role and global contributions to increased access to family planning as well as sexual and adolescent health, especially in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs).

He said: “Professor Osotimehin whom I fondly called the ‘Big Boss’ during his lifetime will definitely be missed for his dedication, humility, mentorship and patriotism.”

The Minister condoled with the family, friends, associates and colleagues of the late professor.

Also, the DG of NACA, Dr. Sani Aliyu, in a statement, said NACA is saddened by the death of a distinguished scholar, researcher and former DG of the agency.

“As we mourn this huge loss to Nigeria, the management and staff of NACA and the entire HIV/AIDS advocates join the family in mourning a departed icon in the country. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”