Last Updated on August 16, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… Reception Held Simultaneously in Abeokuta
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
Late Prof. (Pastor) Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun, wife of the 4th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, was today, August 14, 2026, laid to rest in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The funeral service, held at the UMCA Chapel of Redemption, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin, brought together family members, friends, colleagues, associates and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased.
In his sermon, the officiating minister, Rev. Tunde Ademola, urged mourners to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of making the right spiritual decisions while alive. Citing Hebrews 9:27, he reminded the congregation that everyone would ultimately face judgment based on the life lived.
Rev. Ademola emphasised that eternal life begins during one’s lifetime through knowing God and accepting Jesus Christ, referencing John 17:3. He cautioned against postponing spiritual decisions, stressing that the opportunity to make such choices ends with death.
The cleric described eternal life as more than merely living forever, explaining that individuals must consciously choose their eternal destination while on earth. He also stressed that church attendance or participation in religious activities alone does not guarantee eternal life without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Speaking on the life of the deceased, Rev. Ademola described Prof. Balogun as a woman whose Christian faith was evident in her daily life and interactions. He recalled her commitment to the church, noting that she was known for her care for others and her willingness to ensure that things were properly organised during church services.
He said her impact extended beyond material support, as she also contributed to the spiritual and personal development of people around her. He commended her for combining professional excellence with a strong Christian commitment and for remaining faithful to her marital covenant.
The cleric further recalled her thoughtfulness towards her family, including the provisions she continued to make for them, describing the gestures as evidence of her love, care and foresight.
Rev. Ademola urged the mourners to emulate the virtues of the deceased while also examining their own relationship with God. He reminded them that earthly accomplishments, wealth, houses and professional achievements were temporary and urged them to live with eternity in view.
He concluded by encouraging everyone to make a personal commitment to Christ while alive, noting that the opportunity to make such a decision does not extend beyond death.
Meanwhile, a reception was held simultaneously at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, where members of the FUNAAB Community, family, friends and associates gathered to honour the memory of the late Professor.
Among those who attended the reception in Abeokuta were the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu; the Osi of Egbaland, High Chief Bode Mustapha; former Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ade Abolurin; Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi; former Bursar, Mr. Moses Ilesanmi; former University Librarian, Mr. Abayomi Agboola; former Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Samuel Oluwalana and members of the Maku family, as well as several other members of the FUNAAB Community.
