THE Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria( GTJN ) has described the death of the Ondo State Commissioner for Tourism and Orientation, Mr Deji Falae, as a “a sudden drop of a bright star from the tourism firmament of the nation.”
The group, in a press release signed by its President, Mr. Wale Ojo – Lanre, lamented: “We are shocked beyond the marrows that death has no regard for brilliance, intelligence, good conduct, humbleness, youthfulness, erudition, candour, reasonability and responsiveness, which Deji Falae epitomised when alive.
GTJN pointed out that “His death is a wicked pain and irreparable blow to the tourism sector in Ondo State, where he has, in his usual quiet and smooth manner, started to show the stuff he was made of.”
The group remarked that “Deji was one of the pillars of the tourism strides of Governor Olusegun Mimiko in Ondo State.
Though, a Barrister-at-Law with no experience in tourism administration, the late Deji stooped low to learn, read and consult widely on tourism and took time to understand the import of the sector, hence his ability to key into the tourism vision of Governor Mimiko perfectly. GTJN pointed out that “at every tourism and cultural event hosted by the Ondo State government, especially Mare Festival, you would see the diligence of purpose and passion with which he handled his brief.”
The group recalled the last time the late Deji had some members of the association at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos: “We never knew that you were signing off here on earth when you left your seat at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, during the Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum called by the Director – General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation ( NTDC), to exchange pleasantries and rubbed minds on tourism issues with our members.”
The late Deji, according to the release, gave an insight into what should be expected at the Mare Mountain Climbing Festival 2013: “I am assuring you that the next Mare, which your association has been penciled down as one of the facilitators and collaborators, will be bigger, better and of immense economic benefit to Ondo State people. You will be happy; Governor Mimiko is going higher with Mare this year. We shall all make Ondo-State proud with the festival this year.”
The group, however, condoled with the governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on losing such a dynamic and purposeful aide who has been a keen loyalist and a dutiful executor of the vision of his boss.
“We urge Governor Mimiko to take heart and solace in the fact that we all know how much he loves Deji but that God loves him more,” GTJN concluded.