As the remains of the slain Channels TV Reporter, Precious Ayoade Owolabi was committed to the mother earth at Wusasa Cemetery, Zaria, his mother has expressed shock over his death, saying her son said he was going to be famous.
Also, his father, Mr. Ayo Owolabi, lamented that his promising future has been cut short.
21-years old Owolabi was killed last Monday in the crossfire between the protesting members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and the police.
He was a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to serve with the Channels Television.
Precious’ body was sent to his parents in Zaria on Tuesday. He was buried at Wusasa Cemetery amidst tears and anguish by his parents, siblings and relations.
According to the mother, “He loved his books. If you are looking for him, just go to his room, you will meet him either reading or writing.
“He used to tell us, he would become famous in life, but I never thought he meant to say he would be famous in death.”
Also, his father in an exclusive interview, said though his son read Theatre and Performing Art, his encounter with Channels Television had made him fallen in love with journalism.
Mr Owolabi, a Deputy Director with Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria said: “Ayoade (Precious) had a promising future but it was cut short by death.
“He graduated at the age 20 and I wanted him to have a straight flight to PhD after his NYSC.
“Though, he read Theatre Art from University of Ilorin, his coming into contact with Channels Television during his NYSC had made him fallen in love with journalism.
“He was always engaged in the Channels TV job that he used to go to work on Sundays.
“In fact, his sister just bought a TV Camera tripod for him. He asked me to plan buying a camera for him. He said, it costs about N300, 000 and I told him, I will buy.”
Precious’ father who burst into tears as he spoke, said: “I wanted a straight flight to PhD for him but I never knew it would be a straight flight to death.”
Director General of NYSC, Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim who was represented by the Zonal Inspector in charge of Zaria, Mrs. Silifatu Bandele described late Precious Owolabi as a hard-working patriot.
According Mrs. Bandele: “I am grieved to read this funeral oration today on behalf of the Director-General, State Coordinator FCT Abuja, staff and corps members nationwide in respect of late Precious Owolabi Ayo whose unfortunate death occurred while on duty covering the violent protest by members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja on 22nd July, 2019.
“Precious was hardworking and patriotic to his duty. He answered the clarion call to serve his fatherland and made tremendous impact right from the orientation camp to his Place of Primary Assignment at the Channels Television Abuja.
“Though, we can say unequivocally that his life was fruitful as he exhibited high sense of responsibility in assigned duties at his place of work and also outstanding in patriotic service to our nation Nigeria.
“Precious served our country without blemish and if wishes were horses, we at the NYSC family would have wished that this young boy lying before us lives on.
“However, our wishes are not God’s Will. I therefore call on the bereaved family to look on to God and bear this irreparable loss.”
The Nation/Channels TV
