Nigerians have been called to embrace a life of service to God and humanity—a reminder that true fulfillment comes from giving, not from the pursuit of power or wealth.
The Reverend Father Emmanuel Fashanu stated this in a Homily themed “Living a fruitful life” at the funeral service of renowned philanthropist, Chief Marcelino Owolabi Martins, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church, Lagos Island.
The Reverend Father Fashanu who explained that death is inevitable , maintained that life is about impact, urging the congregations to maximise their time on earth.
“In this world, there’s a gap between life nd death. There is nothing extraordinary about dying or about death, it is one of the most natural things in the world.
Once we accept life, we also accept that at some point in time, that life will surely come to an end”.
The clergyman said every man must taste death, but what matters in the end is the legacies people leave behind.
While making reference to the Bible, Father Fashanu emphasized the need to live purposefully and in reverence to God, assuring everyone that there is a better place after death in Jesus Christ.
“It has pleased God to call back our father and grandfather Marcelino Owolabi back to Him.
One of the best way of preparing for our final end is by making sure that our loved ones has access to the important documents of our lives.
When I speak of important documents, I speak of documents like our baptismal cards”.
He commended the wife of deceased, Mrs Olaide Martins, for her steadfastness and standing by her husband over the years and prayed for God’s continued comfort and strength for her and the family.
Chief Marcelino Owolabi Martins who died at age 89, was the Vice Chairman APC Elders Council, Lagos State and Great Grand Patron, Brazilian Descendants, Popo Aguda, Lagos Island.
The first son of Chief Martins, Mr Akinwunmi Martins, who stressed that his father will be greatly missed for his generous life style, saying he was a father to all irrespective of tribe, religion or social status.
“He was a loving caring father, he had more non biological children than biological children, he was the father of the community and he has impacted many lives over generations.
He was just a special man, he was a man that stood for fairness, he didn’t take sides unnecessarily.
I will miss his resourcefulness, his ability to find solutions to every kind of problem”.
The head of the family, Mr. Aganga Williams, described his brother as a man of faith, whose life embodied humility, discipline, integrity, and intellect, as well as contributions to the church, the less privileged, education, and nation-building remained indelible.
“He was such a lovely and selfless man, he care so much not about himself but about the community, such is life.
He sponsor so many children, even societies in the Church, he was sponsoring the Choir, he was kitting them for years, God loved him that people like us are still around to be able to give him a befitting burial”.
The funeral service was well attended by politicians, Royal father of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, represented by his Council of Chiefs, friends, family members, among whom is Mr. Oluseyi Martins, former General Manager Metro FM, Lagos Operations, who is the first cousin to the deceased.
Reporting by Eunice Olile