By Nkechi Eze
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its 7th Director-General, Brigadier General Soyemi Ayodele Sofoluwe (Rtd.), describing his death as a painful loss to the Scheme and the nation at large.
This was disclosed in an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, following a condolence visit by the current Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to the Sofoluwe family in Lagos.
During the visit, Brigadier General Nafiu paid glowing tribute to the late senior officer, recalling his remarkable contributions to the growth, stability and institutional development of the NYSC during his tenure as Director-General. He said the late Sofoluwe served with dedication, vision and uncommon commitment, qualities that left a lasting imprint on the Scheme.
The NYSC boss described the death as a great loss, not only to the immediate family of the deceased, but also to the NYSC community and the entire country, noting that his leadership helped strengthen the values and ideals upon which the Scheme was founded.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the late General and asked God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Brigadier General Nafiu also assured the widow and matriarch of the Sofoluwe family, Colonel Kehinde Sofoluwe (Rtd.), of the full support of the NYSC throughout the funeral rites.
Fondly referred to as “Oga Show” by Corps Members and staff of the Scheme, the late Brigadier General Sofoluwe was widely admired for his amiable disposition, compassion and witty personality, attributes that endeared him to many during and after his service years.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
