By Saka Laaro, Ilorin
Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, the wife of the Kwara-born elder statesman, the Late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki Oloye, will be laid to rest on July 19, 2024, in Lagos.
According to the information from the family, the final funeral rites for Mama Saraki will witness a series of events between July 18 to July 19, 2024, in Lagos.
“There will be a Service of Songs for Mama on July 18th, 2024, at 4:00pm, Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotel and Suites, VI, Lagos.
“The funeral service, holds on July 19, 2024, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos Island.
“Reception for guests holds same day (July 19, 2024) at 2pm, Harbour Point, Wilmot Road, Victoria Island,” the family said.
The Saraki matriarch and mother of former Senate President of Nigeria, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, died on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the age of 89.
Since her peaceful passage, the residences of the Sarakis have become a Makkah of sorts, as sympathisers continue to pay condolence visits to the Sarakis in Lagos and Abuja.
They include political figures from across party lines, business associates, local and foreign envoys, as well as traditional and religious leaders (Muslim and Christian bodies).
Others are eminent personalities from all regions of the federation, representatives from the governments at various levels, captains of industries, groups of persons with disabilities, family and friends, among others.
Saraki who departed Lagos for Abuja earlier this week, had continued to receive prominent individuals and political leaders who throng his Abuja residence.
Those who visited the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate in the week include serving and former governors, ministers, and National Assembly members.
Recall that on Tuesday, July 02, 2024, Senate President Godswill Akpabio led a Senate delegation to pay a condolence visit to the former Senate President, at his Abuja residence on Tuesday.
Among the delegation was the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
Others were the Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha; the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Benson Konbowei.
Barely 24 hours after, Saraki also received a delegation from the House of Representatives led by Speaker, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at his residence in Abuja.
Also, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, July 05, 2024, visited the former President of the Senate.