President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has described the death of Mrs. Sheila Solarin, widow of renowned educationist and social crusader, Dr. Tai Solarin, as a big loss to the nation.
A statement by Reuben Abati, the presidential spokesman said the President noted that Mrs. Solarin’s death has left a big vacuum in the educational system of the country as the nation would miss the unparalleled commitment, discipline, expertise, prowess and astuteness she brought to bear on the teaching profession and school administration.
“Her remarkably long period in running the popular Mayflower School, Ikenne and teaching English in that school, made her to leave an indelible impact on generations of students who today occupy prominent positions in all sectors of the Nigerian society,” he said.
President Jonathan who described Mrs. Solarin as a great soul, highly respected mother, peace-maker and community worker, commended her uncommon courage and patriotism in making Nigeria her permanent home before and after the demise of her husband.
The President noted that “her decision as carry on with the legacy of her late husband even up to a very advanced age, speaks a lot about her indomitable spirit and a great lesson for others to emulate.”
President Jonathan while commiserating with the Solarin family, the people and government of Ogun State and all students of Mayflower School, also implored them to keep Mrs. Solarin’s humanitarian work and other legacies alive in the interest of the nation and posterity.
