Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, on Monday led party leaders, associates and admirers in paying tribute to the late Engineer Funsho Williams, describing him as an epitome of civility whose legacy continues to inspire Nigerians two decades after his death.

The remembrance service, held at St Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos, marked the 20th anniversary of the assassination of the former PDP governorship candidate, who was murdered on July 27, 2006, by yet-to-be-identified assailants.

Among those present were former Lagos State Deputy Governor and PDP chieftain Chief Koforola Akerele-Bucknor; members of the PDP leadership in Lagos State; friends; family members; and political associates of the late politician.

Speaking at the event, George recalled the circumstances surrounding Williams’ death and described the loss as one that still resonates deeply within the party and the nation.

“Twenty years is a long time, but it looks like yesterday. The pain of his loss is still there,” he said.

He recounted receiving a call from the then President informing him of the tragedy and his subsequent visit to Williams’ residence in Lagos.

“I went straight to his house and saw him lying lifeless. I can never forget that sight,” George said.

Describing Williams as a gentleman and humanist, George said the late politician embodied humility, decency and service.

“Funsho was an epitome of civility and an icon. He was a humanist and a gentleman. We lost a gem,” he said.

He also urged political leaders to prioritise national development and unity, stressing the need for governance that serves the interests of the people.

“Those in government today should aim for the good of the country. It is a sad memory, but we give thanks for his life,” he added.

Also speaking, politician and public policy advocate Dr Funso Doherty described Williams as a man whose legacy remains worthy of emulation.

“Late Engineer Funsho Williams was a man with a shining legacy across the state and the nation. He was someone many of us looked up to and sought to emulate,” Doherty said.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Chairman of the PDP, Dr Amos Fawole, described Williams as a distinguished engineer, an accomplished politician and a true son of Lagos.

According to him, Williams’ vision for Lagos was rooted in competence, integrity, inclusiveness and genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

“He was more than a politician whose dreams for a prosperous and united Lagos could not be extinguished by violence,” Fawole said.

“He was a compassionate leader whose humility, generosity and selfless dedication transformed countless lives. He believed that governance was a sacred responsibility to uplift the people, particularly the less privileged.”

Fawole urged Nigerians to uphold the values that defined the late politician’s life, including integrity, compassion, sacrifice, excellence and commitment to the common good.

Delivering the homily, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr Dominic Mbom, admonished the congregation to live exemplary lives and remain conscious of their actions.

“Every great man has a small beginning. It is through following God’s principles that one can transform into a great man,” he said.

Williams, who was widely regarded as one of Lagos’ most prominent politicians and a leading contender in the state’s governorship race, was found murdered in his Lagos residence on July 27, 2006, in a killing that shocked the nation and remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile unresolved political assassinations.

Twenty years after his death, speakers at the memorial service said his commitment to public service, integrity and the development of Lagos State continues to serve as a model for political leadership.