By Kunle SHONUGA
Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Monday, mourned the death of Prof. Ayodeji Femi-Pearse, the founder of the popular Badagry resort, Whispering Palms.
Ambode described the death of the late professor of medicine as a great loss to the academic community as well as the hospitality industry.
The Whispering Palms founder died on Dec. 28 at the age of 86 after a brief illness.
Femi-Pearse was a former Provost, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Pro-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU).
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, Ambode said: “Prof. Femi-Pearse was a man of many parts; from the academic world to the hospitality industry, he wrote his name in gold.
“His brilliance in the academia was well known as he contributed in no small way in enhancing research, especially in the medical profession.
“His contributions in the hospitality industry cannot be underestimated.
“Through the popular Whispering Palms resort, he founded with his late wife, he attracted visitors and tourists to the ancient town of Badagry and the state.
“He also spearheaded some community projects which today, have greatly enhanced the standard of living in the town,” he said in the statement.
The governor, while commiserating with the family, urged them to uphold the ideals he stood for and preserve the legacies which would continue to serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
“His death is a sad loss especially coming a few months after the demise of his wife, Ibilola.
“Indeed, a good man and a great man has gone home; the state and nation has lost a rare gem.
“I want to urge the entire family to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and his sterling contributions will never be forgotten in a hurry.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Prof. Femi-Pearse on this great and irreparable loss.
“He came and made our world a better place; he will be sorely missed,’’ the statement quoted Ambode as saying.
