Osinbajo expresses shock at Osotimehin's death

Late Babatunde Osotimehin

Acting President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has expressed shock at the death of a former minister of the federal republic and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)  Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, and a former Minister of Health who died yesterday in New York at the age of 68.

Osinbajo said he was “shocked and profoundly saddened” expressed this in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, on Monday.

Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, who had no previous history of ill health reportedly took ill suddenly and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, but gave up soon after, before arriving the hospital, was confirmed dead by members of his family.

In extending his heartfelt condolences to late Osotimehin’s children and entire family over the demise of their beloved father, grandfather and also an illustrious Nigerian, the acting president commiserated with the staff of the UNFPA and the entire UN system on the loss of a very remarkable international public servant

Extolling the virtues of the deceased Osinbajo said late Osotimehin served “passionately, diligently and worked tirelessly at the global and national stages to reduce maternal mortality and promote universal access to reproductive health”.

He said, the deceased will be remembered for his many significant developmental contributions at home and in the international community.

As Prof. Osotimehin is being mourned internationally, the Acting President urged  his family, friends and associates to take solace in the deceased’s notable service and worthy contributions especially towards improving women and children’s health across the world.

He said such contributions would be widely acclaimed, deeply appreciated, and would be long remembered and honoured.

Osinbajo noted that the late Osotimehin  had a distinguished career as medical doctor and teacher before he served, as a cabinet minister, in Nigeria, and later at the UN.