David Cameron is understood to be flying out to South Africa next week to be present at Mr Mandela's funeral service.
The Prime Minister was first to write in the book of condolence at South Africa House in Trafalgar Square this morning.
David Cameron signs a book of condolence at South Africa
House, central London, following the announcement of the death of the
former South African leader Nelson Mandela
PA
Prime Minister David Cameron in a book condolence at South
Africa House, central London, following the announcement of the death of
former South African President Nelson Mandela
PA
Crowds continued to form a queue to leave their own tribute to the former freedom fighter.
At
the front of the queue was Lorna Soar, originally from South Africa,
who moved to the UK in 1965 "not expecting to ever go back".
Her daughter Katy was born on the day Mr Mandela was released, and the pair met him over 10 years ago in London.
She said: "My father was in the ANC as well alongside Nelson Mandela. It's just a very emotional time really."
With tears running down her cheeks, she added: "At least he's at peace now."
Ms Soar said she is trying to track down the photo of her daughter meeting Mr Mandela.
Recalling her conversation with him, she said: "He just said it was an incredible struggle."
12:17 pm
The Pope has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela's struggle to forge a
just South Africa, praising the anti-apartheid hero's commitment to
non-violence, reconciliation and truth.
In a telegram to current
South African President Jacob Zuma, he said: "I pray that the late
president's example will inspire generations of South Africans to put
justice and the common good at the forefront of their political
aspirations.
12:15 pm
The Premier League has announced on its Twitter page that all this
weekend's matches will have a minute's applause before kick-off in
tribute to Nelson Mandela.
12:12 pm
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has given an emotional address about his friend Nelson Mandela.
With tears in his eyes, he says his friend was "like the most precious diamond".
He said: "The Madiba who emerged from prison in January 1990 was virtually flawless."
12:03 pm
Nelson Mandela spoke about his own mortality during an interview for the Academy Award-winning documentary, 'Mandela', in 1996.
He
said: "Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he
considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in
peace." Read more of the former South African president's most inspirational quotes here.
12:00 pm
Former Irish president Mary Robinson has described
Mandela this morning as a "huge flirt", and said the world feels like it
has lost a family member.
The human rights
campaigner, who worked closely with South Africa's first black
president, lauded his sense of humour, adding: "Why is it that we
celebrate that we are so sad, that we feel a loss as if it's a family
member?" Ms Robinson said.
"Why are we so bereft?
"Because he was the best of us. He was the best of our values."
11:28 am
Following news of Mandela's death last night, millions of people took to Twitter to share their tributes.
A total of 7.2 million tweets were sent in the five hours after his death was announced, with a peak of 95,000 tweets per minute.
The picture below is made up of some of the millions of tweets that have been sent in the last 12 hours:
11:23 am
Former South Africa captain Lucas Radebe has written an open letter dedicated to the late Nelson Mandela.
The
former defender thanked the 95-year-old for making a career in
top-flight English football possible for players in his homeland.
Radebe,
who played for Leeds United for 11 years was described by Mandela as a
"hero" ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The
former central defender's open letter read: "There is much I want to
say to you, and regret I will no longer have the chance. Having said
that, I feel privileged to have known you, and to have benefited from
your wisdom and example.
"You taught me lessons of
leadership, humility, generosity, courage and integrity. To say that you
inspired me and my generation, would be an understatement.
"My career would not have been possible but for you."
Queen guitarist Brian May, a founding ambassador of Nelson Mandela's
46664 charity, assisting those infected or affected by HIV/Aids, said:
"Very sad to hear of Madiba's passing.
"We (Queen, along with Dave
Stewart, and the Corrs) were privileged to spend some days and nights
with him at his game park retreat, while we were organising the first
46664 concert for Aids at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. They were
life-changing days, with quiet time and talks around a camp fire at
night, which we will remember til we die.
"Mandela was the most
inspiring man of his generation. His message, by example, was the power
of forgiveness. He showed us that it's possible to act after great
injustice with no thought of revenge. He was light, funny, enormously
generous, and, quietly, the greatest example to the world that a man can
be."
11:10 am
Nelson Mandela's state funeral is set to be the biggest the world has seen since that of former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.
South
Africa is preparing for the huge service on Saturday which will see
world leaders, royalty, foreign dignitaries and celebrities join in
mourning for the anti-apartheid hero.
Sir Winston's state funeral
took place at St Paul's Cathedral on January 30, 1965, watched by
millions of people in the UK and around the world.
The wartime
leader, who died from a stroke aged 90, lay in state for three days at
Westminster Hall where a total of 321,360 people filed past the
catafalque.
The Queen and members of the royal family joined Sir
Winston's wife, Lady Clementine Churchill, his son Randolph and
daughters Mary Soames and Lady Sarah Audley. Read the full story here.
Mirrorpix
11:08 am
Manchester United has tweeted this morning on behalf of Sir Bobby
Charlton, who says his thoughts and prayers are with Nelson Mandela's
family and the people of South Africa.
He said: "His legacy will live on way beyond our lifetime. I feel privileged to have met him.
"God bless my friend, Madiba."
Read other tributes from figures in the world of sport here.
11:05 am
Crowds are continuing to gather outside Mandela's home in Johannesburg to remember him and celebrate his life.
President Jacbo Zuma is expected to arrive at the house any minute with a deletion from the ANC.
11:01 am
The BBC reports that Italian newspaper Il Giornale has published an
apology after a wrong headline appeared on a report about Nelson
Mandela's death.
The incorrect headline referred to him as "the father of apartheid".
The paper said: "We apologise to our readers for the headline. It was a serious mistake."
10:44 am
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt posted this tribute on Instagram this
morning, with the message: "One of the greatest human beings ever. May
your soul rest in peace. The world's greatest fighter."
He also tweeted the following Mandela quote:
“Death
is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be
his duty to his people and his country,he can rest in peace."
10:38 am
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell tweeted some of her memories of Nelson Mandela this morning.
She met him when she was part of the girl group.
She
said: "Rip Nelson Mandela, it was a absolute honour to meet such an
inspiring man, he was amazing, incredibly charming and warm."
10:30 am
One place that has not lowered its flag in memory of Nelson Mandela is Australia, according to reports.
The Guardian says the flag has remained at full mast over parliament house, in contrast to other governments around the world.
The prime minister's office said Tony Abbott had not requested the flag to be lowered.
The Australian leader had earlier described Mandela as "arguably one of the great figures of the last century."
10:25 am
Nasa has tweeted this image of South Africa from space this morning in honour of the former president:
10:21 am
It's being reported flags at Buckingham Palace will be flown at half mast in memory of Mandela, as are others around the world.
Flags at
the Scottish Parliament have also been lowered as a mark of respect,
and flags across South Africa will remain at half mast until after his
funeral.
The White House has lowered its flag, as has the one over Number 10 Downing Street.
And this was the scene in Liverpool this morning:
10:08 am
Prime Minister Cameron has signed a book of condolence for Mandela at South Africa House in London.
He
wrote: "Your cause of fighting for freedom and against discrimination,
your struggle for justice, your triumph against adversity - these things
will inspire generations to come.
"And through all
of this, your generosity, compassion and profound sense of forgiveness
have given us all lessons to learn and live by."
He ended his message with a quote - "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."
He signed off with his name and "London Dec 6 2013".
10:04 am
Nelson Mandela's funeral is set to be held on Saturday, December 14, in Qunu - this village where he was born.
The funeral will be a huge state affair, rivalling that of Pope John Paul II and former prime minister Winston Churchill.
World leaders past and present, including every living US president, are expected to attend alongside royalty and celebrities.
Speaking about the task facing South Africa, a senior foreign diplomat told the Guardian: "He is the hero of the planet.
"It’s going to be the biggest state funeral since Winston Churchill, and I think any country would struggle to organise that." More details here.
9:59 am
President Jacob Zuma paid a tearful tribute to the former
freedom fighter, saying: "Our nation has lost its greatest son. What
made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human."
Mr Zuma said Mr Mandela would be afforded a state
funeral, adding: "I have ordered that all flags of the Republic of South
Africa be lowered to half mast ... and to remain at half-mast until
after the funeral."
The funeral will be a huge state affair, rivalling that of Pope John Paul II and former prime minister Winston Churchill.
World leaders past and present, including every living US president, are expected to attend alongside royalty and celebrities.
For everything you need to know about the plans for Mr Mandela's funeral, read our full story here.
9:33 am
Paris remembered Nelson Mandela last night, with the Eiffel Tower lit up in the colours of the South African flag.
Earlier, French president Francois Hollande said his country joined South Africa in its "infinite sadness".
He
described Mandela as a "tireless fighter", who had reversed a
despicable regime to reconcile South Africans and uphold democracy.
The Eiffel Tower has been lit up in the colours of the South African flag to grieve over Nelson Mandela's death. pic.twitter.com/9cstTVSgTQ
— Google Earth Pics (@GoogleEarthPics) December 6, 2013
9:07 am
Westminster Abbey will hold a national service of thanksgiving to
remember the life of Mr Mandela after the state funeral in South Africa.
A book of condolence will be opened at St Margaret's Church at the Abbey from 9.30am today.
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster sent a message of condolence to the High Commissioner for South Africa.
The
message read: "The Dean and Chapter of Westminster sends condolences to
the family of Madiba and to the government and people of South Africa
on the death of their former President, Nelson Mandela.
"He
was an iconic figure who changed irrevocably the course of history in
his country and the African continent and who changed the world's
attitude to issues of equality and human justice."
9:03 am
Fellow former prime minister Gordon Brown has said this is "the
saddest day" because Mandela was "the greatest person of this generation
- a hero for all time".
He told the BBC World Service: "He
surprised me with a phone call the day after my baby was born - that's
the sort of man he was."
8:56 am
Former British prime minister Tony Blair said this
morning Mandela was a "great man" who had made racism "not just immoral
but stupid".
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that
Mr Mandela had a good relationship with Britain, despite the opposition
to him from parts of the establishment.
"He literally
never used to let that bother him at all in terms of his regard for the
country and, by the way, he was always perfectly gracious about Mrs
Thatcher as well. I think he had a tremendous affection for Britain, he
admired it as a country, he liked the people and I know he always used
to enjoy coming."
"He came to represent something
that was much more than just about the resolution of the issues of
apartheid and of South Africa, he came to represent something quite
inspirational for the future of the world and for peace and
reconciliation in the 21st century."
8:49 am
The Flag covered coffin carrying the body of Former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg
BackpagePix
A black hearse carrying Mr Mandela's coffin, draped in the
national flag, left the former South African president's home around
2am.
The van was accompanied by a slow-moving convoy, escorted by police motorcyclists riding in a V formation with flashing lights.
Mr
Mandela's body will lie in state for three days in Pretoria, the BBC
said, before a funeral is held on Saturday in Qunu, the village in
Eastern Cape where he was born.
8:44 am
Zelda La Grange - Mandela's former private secretary - said he
"inspired people to forgive, to reconcile, to be selfless, to be
tolerant, to maintain dignity no matter what the circumstances".
She
said: "I can attest to each of these because these are the ways in
which he changed my life over the past 19 years. I am blessed and
honoured by the privilege to have had the opportunity to serve him. I
often battled with the relentless pressure.
"But the I looked to him who carried himself with such grace and energy. I never left, I never could.
"Nelson Mandela did not demand loyalty, but he inspired profound and unwavering loyalty from everybody whose life he touched.
And now, as we grieve the departure of Madiba I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I will never see him again.
But heroes never die.
As
sad as it makes me that I will never walk into a room again and see his
generous infectious smile or hear him say "Oh Zeldina, you are here" I
have come to terms with the fact that Madiba's legacy is not dependent
on his presence.
His legacy will not only live on in everything
that has been named after him, the books, the images, the movies. It
will live on in how we feel when we hear his name, the respect and love,
the unity he inspired in us as a country but particularly how we relate
to one-another."
8:28 am
Journalist Kelvin Brown tweeted this image from outside Nelson Mandela's house:
News of Nelson Mandela's death last night came as a select group of guests were watching a screening in London's Leicester Square of a film chronicling his incredible life.
Mr
Mandela's daughter Zindzi Mandela was informed in her London hotel room
that her 95-year-old father had died peacefully at home while the
screening was on.
When the film had finished, producer Anant Singh
announced the sad news to the audience, including Prince William and
his wife Kate.
Screams rang out in the auditorium as he broke the news, and the film's cast members were said to be devastated.
Speaking shortly afterwards, Prince William said: “I just wanted to say it’s extremely sad and tragic news.
“We
were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson
Mandela was. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It’s
very sad.”
Former foreign secretary David Miliband, who is now president and CEO
of the International Rescue Committee, said Mr Mandela's life shows how
"personal character, values and personality at the top can make and
break nations".
Although he was "brought up to be a
bit sceptical of the 'Great Man' theory of history", Mr Miliband said in
a blog post: "His passing after a long, arduous, successful and
momentous life is rightly an occasion for saluting and celebrating as
well as mourning."
He went on: "The campaigns in the
1980s for the West to take some responsibility for change in South
Africa seemed so clear to me as a university student urging divestment
of college funds from South Africa. In the end, though, the change came
from within.
"Nelson Mandela was an example for politicians but also for people, in the way he lived his life and the way he treated others.
"Mandela
taught humility, principle, loyalty, endurance, commitment. It somehow
seems more poignant to have been able to visit his cell on Robben Island
this March while he was still alive."
7:38 am
American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson said this morning Mandela had been a "rare soul".
"Nelson Mandela was truly a transformative force in the history of South Africa and the world," he said.
"Every
now and then a soul of rare vintage comes our way. That by
circumstances, sacrifice and suffering, finds its way into the soul of
our global culture, the family of man, and calls our better angels to
fly.
"Such a soul is Nelson Mandela."
He
added: "Imprisoned in Robben Island for 25 years and eight
months, Mandela never lost faith that the South African people would win
freedom. Suffering breeds character."
7:08 am
The statement from Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen
was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night.
He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the
peaceful South Africa we see today.
"Her Majesty
remembers with great warmth her meetings with Mr Mandela and sends her
sincere condolences to his family and the people of South Africa at this
very sad time."
The Prince of Wales also paid tribute to the former South African leader.
He
said: "Mr Mandela was the embodiment of courage and reconciliation. He
was also a man of great humour and had a real zest for life.
"With
his passing, there will be an immense void not only in his family's
lives, but also in those of all South Africans and the many others whose
lives have been changed through his fight for peace, justice and
freedom.
"The world has lost an inspired leader and a
great man. My family and I are profoundly saddened and our thoughts and
prayers are with his family."
7:02 am
The Queen has said this morning that she was "deeply saddened" by
Nelson Mandela's death, saying he "worked tirelessly for the good of his
country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today".
6:47 am
Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta spoke of his profound sorrow at the death of Nelson Mandela.
He
wrote on Twitter: "It is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the
passing away of ‘Shujaa’ Nelson Mandela, an outstanding African
statesman and icon."
It
is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the passing away of
‘Shujaa’ Nelson Mandela, an outstanding African statesman and icon
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 6, 2013
6:44 am
Pakistan international cricketer Shahid Afridi paid homage to Nelson Mandela.
He wrote on Twitter: Mandela "One of the greatest human beings ever.
"The world's greatest fighter.
"He was from this soil, he was from us."
Mandela "One of the greatest human beings ever. The world's greatest fighter.He was from this soil, he was from us."
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 6, 2013
6:40 am
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has also offered his condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela.
He wrote on Twitter: "All of Canada mourns with the family of Nelson Mandela and the citizens of South Africa.
"The world has lost one of its great moral leaders."
All
of Canada mourns with the family of Nelson Mandela and the citizens of
South Africa. The world has lost one of its great moral leaders.
— Stephen Harper (@pmharper) December 5, 2013
6:39 am
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has joined fellow world leaders
in paying tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela.
He said in a statement: "The world mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela.
"Nelson Mandela will forever be remembered as more than a political leader, he was a moral leader.
"He spent much of his life standing against the injustice of apartheid.
"When that fight was won, he inspired us again by his capacity to forgive and reconcile his country.
"While
the world may never see another Nelson Mandela, he has inspired
countless men and women throughout the world to live more courageous and
honest lives.
"On behalf of the Australian Government and the
Australian community, I extend my condolences to Mr Mandela's family and
to the people of South Africa."
6:35 am
Ex-South African rugby star Joost van der Westhuizen said the death of Nelson Mandela was a sad day for the country.
He wrote on Twitter: "A sad day for our country. Rest in Peace Madiba. Condolences to his family and friends."
A sad day for our country. Rest in Peace Madiba. Condolences to his family and friends.
— Joostvdwesthuizen (@9Joost) December 5, 2013
6:31 am
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama has sent a letter to
the family of the late Nelson Mandela in which he said he would miss a
"dear friend" who he hailed as "a man of courage, principle and
unquestionable integrity".
In a statement on his website, he said
that "the best tribute we can pay to him is to do whatever we can to
contribute to honouring the oneness of humanity and working for peace
and reconciliation as he did".
6:29 am
One Direction heart-throb Harry Styles has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela on Twitter.
The What Makes You Beautiful hitmaker tweeted: "RIP Nelson Mandela."
RIP Nelson Mandela.
— Harry Styles (@Harry_Styles) December 6, 2013
6:21 am
Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi paid tribute to Nelson
Mandela as a "great human being" who inspired others to change the
world.
"I would like to express my extreme grief at the passing
away of a man who stood for human rights and for equality in this
world," Suu Kyi said of her fellow Nobel Peace laureate.
"He made
us all understand that nobody should be penalised for the colour of his
skin, for the circumstances into which he is born.
"He also made
us understand that we can change the world - we can change the world by
changing attitudes, by changing perceptions.
"For this reason I would like to pay him tribute as a great human being who raised the standard of humanity."
Mandela,
the hero of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement and a towering
figure of 20th century politics, died aged 95 after a long battle
against a lung infection.
Mandela and Suu Kyi both spent years
behind bars for their struggle against repressive regimes, earning
international acclaim as two of the world's leading defenders of human
rights.
6:17 am
Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi paid tribute to Nelson
Mandela as a "great human being" who inspired others to change the
world.
"I would like to express my extreme grief at the passing
away of a man who stood for human rights and for equality in this
world," Suu Kyi said of her fellow Nobel Peace laureate.
"He made
us all understand that nobody should be penalised for the colour of his
skin, for the circumstances into which he is born.
"He also made
us understand that we can change the world - we can change the world by
changing attitudes, by changing perceptions.
"For this reason I would like to pay him tribute as a great human being who raised the standard of humanity."
Mandela,
the hero of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement and a towering
figure of 20th century politics, died aged 95 after a long battle
against a lung infection.
Mandela and Suu Kyi both spent years
behind bars for their struggle against repressive regimes, earning
international acclaim as two of the world's leading defenders of human
rights.
6:07 am
Activist Peter Tatchell has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, the "great "African".
Mr Tatchell wrote on Twitter: "RIP Nelson Mandela, liberation hero.
"A great African, democrat & supporter of universal human rights, including LBGT rights.
"Much loved."
RIP Nelson #Mandela, liberation hero. A great African, democrat & supporter of universal human rights, including #LGBT rights. Much loved.
— Peter Tatchell (@PeterTatchell) December 5, 2013
5:54 am
Pop star Sinitta has offered her view on the death of Nelson Mandela.
She
wrote on Twitter: "Reading about Mandela, I remember I was in Tokyo
when he was first set free, now he is forever Free, #MoreThanJustAMan"
Reading about Mandela, I remember I was in Tokyo when he was first set free, now he is forever Free, #MoreThanJustAMan
— Sinitta 19 (@sinittaofficial) December 6, 2013
5:52 am
Ex-US president Jimmy Carter has joined George W Bush and Bill Clinton in paying homage to the late Nelson Mandela.
Mr Carter said in a statement: "Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of Nelson Mandela.
"The people of South Africa and human rights advocates around the world have lost a great leader.
"His
passion for freedom and justice created new hope for generations of
oppressed people worldwide, and because of him, South Africa is today
one of the world’s leading democracies.
"In recent years, I was
gratified to be able to work with him through The Elders to encourage
resolution of conflicts and advance social justice and human rights in
many nations.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time."
5:48 am
The people of Gibraltar have also been sending their condolences to
the people of South Africa following the death of Nelson Mandela through
the Rock's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.
Mr Picardo wrote on Twitter: "RIP Nelson Mandela, a better, bigger man than all the rest."
RIP Nelson Mandela, a better, bigger man than all the rest.
— Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) December 5, 2013
5:43 am
Former Pakistan cricketer turned politician Imran Khan has described
Nelson Mandela as an "inspirational leader for all humanity".
Mr Khan wrote on Twitter: "RIP Nelson Mandela: Inspirational ldr 4 all humanity.
"Courageous, steadfast, selfless &, in his hr of victory, forgiving."
RIP Nelson Mandela: Inspirational ldr 4 all humanity. Courageous, steadfast, selfless &, in his hr of victory, forgiving.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 6, 2013
5:35 am
When Nelson Mandela stood down as president of South Africa in 1999, he was replaced by Thabo Mbeki.
Mr
Mbeki, who served as head of state until September 2008, released a
statement following Mr Mandela's death, which read: "Earlier tonight, my
wife Zanele and I learnt with immense distress and profound sadness of
the passing away of one of the greatest sons of our people, Esteemed
Member of the Order of Mapungubwe and Nobel Peace Prize laureate,
Isithwalandwe President Nelson Mandela.
"His departure represents a very sad moment of grief for his family.
"But it also constitutes a personal loss for us because over many decades, he served both as our guide and one of our fathers.
"President
Mandela, Madiba, and his generation of freedom fighters walked their
long walk and made enormous sacrifices which eventually led to our
freedom in 1994.
"His passing signals the end of an historic era represented by the heroic deeds of his generation.
"Thus,
President Mandela’s departure demands of those of us who remain, South
Africans and all Africans on the rest of our Continent, that we commit
ourselves selflessly to address the many challenges we face.
"President Mandela and his generation discovered the mission of their generation.
"They were at all times faithful to it, as a result of which they fulfilled it.
"As
we mourn President Mandela's passing we must ask ourselves the
fundamental question – what shall we do to respond to the tasks of
building a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South
Africa, a people centred society free of hunger, poverty, disease and
inequality, as well as Africa's renaissance, to whose attainment
President Nelson Mandela dedicated his whole life?
"We convey our heartfelt condolences to his dear wife, Graça Machel, and the rest of his entire family."
5:27 am
Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has joined the chorus of statesmen coming forward to remember Nelson Mandela.
Sir John, PM from 1990 to 1997, said: "Nelson Mandela left an indelible mark on his time that few have ever equalled.
"He
showed the world that reconciliation is better than retaliation and -
for that lesson and much more - he will be remembered for as long as
history is written.
"As the world mourns an
extraordinary man, who Norma (his wife) and I had the privilege to know,
our thoughts and condolences are with his family and his countrymen."
5:14 am
Golfing legend Tiger Woods has posted a heartfelt tribute to Nelson Mandela on Twitter.
Woods tweeted: "Pop & I felt your aura when we met, I feel it today & I will feel it forever.
"You have done so much for humanity..
"You will always be in my heart Mr. Mandela."
You will always be in my heart Mr. Mandela.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) December 6, 2013
5:07 am
DJ David Guetta has joined the ranks of celebs lining up to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.
The Titanium hitmaker wrote on Twitter: "So sad a day but we should be so grateful that a man like Nelson Mandela lived.
"He truly changed our world.
"Together we can too."
So sad a day but we should be so grateful that a man like Nelson Mandela lived. He truly changed our world. Together we can too.
— David Guetta (@davidguetta) December 6, 2013
4:59 am
Another tribute to Nelson Mandela, this time from the world of South African cricket.
A
photo of Madiba dressed in the blazer and cap of the Proteas has been
posted on Twitter by Cricket South Africa, the custodians of the game in
the Rainbow Nation.
A message accompanying the picture simply reads: "You played a fine innings. #RIPMadiba"
World number one tennis player Rafael Nadal has paid his respects to Nelson Mandela.
The Spaniard wrote on Twitter: "Rest in peace Nelson Mandela, you have been a role model to the world.
"My most sincere condolences to family and friends."
Rest in peace Nelson Mandela, you have been a role model to the world. My most sincere condolences to family and friends.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 5, 2013
3:50 am
It's not just statesmen and sportsmen who have been voicing their sadness about the passing of Nelson Mandela.
Actress and presenter Amanda Holden wrote on Twitter: "RIP Nelson Mandela a true inspiration to us all x"
RIP Nelson Mandela a true inspiration to us all x
— OfficialAmandaHolden (@Amanda_Holden) December 5, 2013
3:46 am
Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson both posted photos of themselves
with Nelson Mandela along with tributes on Twitter after learning of his
death.
Brit boxer Amir Khan has also posted a tribute to the former South African president.
Khan wrote: "Rip Nelson Mandela you will be missed by many.
"My heart and prayers go out to your entire family."
Rip Nelson Mandela you will be missed by many. My heart and prayers go out to your entire family
— Amir Khan (@AmirKingKhan) December 5, 2013
3:43 am
Former Speaker of the House of Commons Baroness (Betty) Boothroyd has
recalled a visit Nelson Mandela made to Westminster in 1996.
She said: "I welcomed many leaders to Westminster when I was Speaker but he was by far the most remarkable.
"His
speech to the joint Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall in 1996
was a masterpiece of reconciliation after the bitter years of apartheid.
"He represented 'an outstanding victory of the human spirit over evil', I told him.
"He wrote to me afterwards of his delight at the pomp and ceremony of the occasion and its 'majesty and dignity'.
"He was especially touched by the Queen's graciousness towards him and the warmth of the British people.
"He
was kind enough to add 'It is friends like yourself who have
contributed to making our country the democratic rainbow nation we are
today'."
3:37 am
Brazilian football legend Pele counted Nelson Mandela among his friends.
After
learning of Mr Mandela's death last night, Pele shared a picture of the
two men on Twitter, before writing: "He was my hero, my friend, and
also a companion to me in our fight for the people and for world peace."
Tributes have also been paid to Nelson Mandela from Ireland.
Irish
president Michael D Higgins described Mr Mandela as an "immense moral
force", saying: "Nelson Mandela is one of history's greatest leaders; a
man whose unprecedented courage and dedication broke down the cruel
barriers of apartheid in South Africa and led the nation into a new and
democratic age."
Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mr Mandela changed life in South Africa, and humanity.
"As we mark his passing, we give thanks for the gift of Nelson Mandela," he said.
"We
ask that his spirit continues to inspire, guide and enlighten us as we
strive to bring freedom and dignity to the family of man, our brothers
and sisters, across the world.
"I offer my deepest
sympathies, on behalf of the Irish Government and people, to his family,
to his friends and supporters, and to the Government and the people of
South Africa."
3:27 am
US Vice-President Joe Biden joined his boss Barack Obama in paying homage to Nelson Mandela.
Mr Biden said in a statement: "In the hands of Nelson Mandela, hope and history rhymed.
"This is a better world because Nelson Mandela was in it.
"He was a good man.
"First his courage and then his forgiveness inspired us all, and challenged us to do better.
"In the words of the South African poet Peter Horn, he 'dreamed the world another way.'"
3:04 am
For those who are interested, here is some video footage of Nelson
Mandela's appearance at the Labour Party Conference in 2000...
"
frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>
2:49 am
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has shared a photograph on Twitter of him with the late Nelson Mandela.
The photo was taken at the Labour Party Conference in 2000.
Mr Prescott earlier tweeted: "Nelson Mandela was the greatest man I ever met.
"The world is a poorer place without him.
"Sleep well Madiba."
Here's the pic below...
The Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, has joined other
world leaders in remembering former South African president Nelson
Mandela.
Dr Singh wrote on Twitter: "A giant among men has passed away.
"This is as much India's loss as South Africa's.
"He was a true Gandhian.
"His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come.
I join all those who are praying for his soul."
PM
on Nelson Mandela : "A giant among men has passed away. This is as much
India's loss as South Africa's. He was a true Gandhian."
— Dr Manmohan Singh (@PMOIndia) December 6, 2013
2:35 am
Here's a tribute to Nelson Mandela from another South African international cricketer.
This
time it's Highveld Lions and Somerset star Alviro Petersen - joining
the likes of Paul Adams, AB de Villiers and Vernon Philander in paying
homage to the man known affectionately as Madiba.
Petersen tweeted: "We mourn the loss of an icon. RIP #NelsonMandela.
"Thank you for all the inspiration. His life might have ended, but his legacy will live on!"
We mourn the loss of an icon. RIP #NelsonMandela Thank you for all the inspiration. His life might have ended, but his legacy will live on!
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) December 5, 2013
2:28 am
Choral stars Ladysmith Black Mambazo have posted a heartfelt tribute to Nelson Mandela on their Facebook page.
It reads: "The Father of our nation, Nelson Mandela, has finished his journey.
"One wants to think in terms of big words when describing him, but this would not be right.
"Among the many things one can say about our Madiba is that he never thought himself as big.
"He was one of us; one of the people.
"His journey was our journey.
"And although he has physically left us now, his journey continues within us all.
"Nelson
Mandela was one of us but he was able to change our nation because of
his incredible will, his dignity and his humanity.
"We are often asked about our most memorable career moments.
"The expected answer is usually about work with famous entertainers or about winning Grammy Awards.
"This is not so. Our most memorable moment was in 1993 when Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
"Madiba asked us to join him on his trip to receive the award in Norway, to sing and to represent our nation.
"He would say to us that we are South Africa‘s “Cultural Ambassadors” to the world. We took this honor very seriously.
"Now, it's left for all of us to carry on his mission.
"We must continue the journey of making not just South Africa, but the whole world, a peaceful, forgiving place.
"If we all keep Mandela's way within us, we can achieve greatness.
"As
we continue our own journey of spreading a message of "Peace, Love and
Harmony," we re-dedicate ourselves to Nelson Mandela and his dream of a
Rainbow Nation, a Rainbow World, in fact.
"May his journey continue in the souls and spirits of all who were touched by him."
2:22 am
Spandau Ballet bass player and ex-East Ender Martin Kemp is the latest celeb to pay their respects to the late Nelson Mandela.
Kemp wrote on Twitter: "RIP Nelson Mandela ... A truly great soul!"
RIP Nelson Mandela ... A truly great soul!
— Martin Kemp (@realmartinkemp) December 6, 2013
2:16 am
Former Tory MP Louise Mensch has been musing on Twitter about the political legacy of the late Nelson Mandela.
She tweeted: "Nelson Mandela was neither left nor right, but a humanitarian hero - and we all mourn him tonight. #RIPMandela."
Nelson #Mandela was neither left nor right, but a humanitarian hero - and we all mourn him tonight. #RIPMandela
— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) December 6, 2013
2:07 am
Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood, who directed a biopic
about Nelson Mandela, has paid tribute to the late former South African
president.
"I will never forget the day I met him and experienced
first-hand his indomitable spirit and warm, charismatic smile,"
Eastwood said.
"What he went through and what he accomplished will never be forgotten."
1:54 am
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has, like Evander
Holyfield, posted a photograph of himself with Nelson Mandela on
Twitter.
Iron Mike accompanied the photo with a message which
read: "I'm hearing about Nelson Mandela's death while on African soil in
Oran, Algeria.
"Sending prayers to Mandela's family."
I'm hearing about Nelson Mandela's death while on African soil in Oran, Algeria. Sending prayers to Mandela's family. pic.twitter.com/i5ONBP9Xez
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) December 5, 2013
1:40 am
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has been speaking to the BBC World
Service about the time Nelson Mandela visited Downing Street.
Mr Blair said: "He would talk to the people on the door, to the people making the tea.
"He had an incredible way about him.
"It wasn't just what he did, it was the way that he did it."
An interesting comedy movie that tells the story of two brothers, Ogbu(Chinedu Ikedieze) and Kalu(Osita Iheme), who did so many silly act including making love charm, just to get the woman of their dream.
Adaora (Fathai Balogun) was declared barren by her doctor, and despite the love her husband Micheal (John Dumelo) has to her, she still feels guilty that she can't give him a child. Mary (Mercy Johnson) a prostitute was contracted by Adaora to have a child for her husband. Will Mary stick to the rules of the contract?
Freedom fighter, statesman, moral compass and South Africa’s symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.
Nelson Mandela
That was Nelson Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead his country out of decades of apartheid.
He died Thursday night at age 95.
His message of forgiveness, not vengeance, inspired the world after
he negotiated a peaceful end to segregation and urged forgiveness for
the white government that imprisoned him.
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my
freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d
still be in prison,” Mandela said after he was freed in in 1990.
Mandela, a former president, battled health issues in recent years,
including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous
hospitalizations.
Despite rare public appearances, he held a special place in the consciousness of the nation and the world.
“Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a
father,” South African President Jacob Zuma said. “What made Nelson
Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we
seek in ourselves.”
His U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, echoed the same sentiment.
“We’ve lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly
good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth,”
Obama said. “He no longer belongs to us — he belongs to the ages.” A hero to blacks and whites
Mandela became the nation’s conscience as it healed from the scars of apartheid.
His defiance of white minority rule and long incarceration for
fighting against segregation focused the world’s attention on apartheid,
the legalized racial segregation enforced by the South African
government until 1994.
In his lifetime, he was a man of complexities. He went from a
militant freedom fighter, to a prisoner, to a unifying figure, to an
elder statesman.
Years after his 1999 retirement from the presidency, Mandela was
considered the ideal head of state. He became a yardstick for African
leaders, who consistently fell short when measured against him.
Warm, lanky and charismatic in his silk, earth-toned dashikis, he was
quick to admit to his shortcomings, endearing him further in a culture
in which leaders rarely do.
His steely gaze disarmed opponents. So did his flashy smile.
Former South African President F.W. de Klerk, who was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela in 1993 for transitioning the nation from
a system of racial segregation, described their first meeting.
“I had read, of course, everything I could read about him beforehand. I was well-briefed,” he said.
“I was impressed, however, by how tall he was. By the ramrod
straightness of his stature, and realized that this is a very special
man. He had an aura around him. He’s truly a very dignified and a very
admirable person.”
For many South Africans, he was simply Madiba, his traditional clan
name. Others affectionately called him Tata, the word for father in his
Xhosa tribe. A nation on edge
Mandela last appeared in public during the 2010 World Cup hosted by
South Africa. His absences from the limelight and frequent
hospitalizations left the nation on edge, prompting Zuma to reassure
citizens every time he fell sick.
“Mandela is woven into the fabric of the country and the world,” said
Ayo Johnson, director of Viewpoint Africa, which sells content about
the continent to media outlets.
When he was around, South Africans had faith that their leaders would live up to the nation’s ideals, according to Johnson.
“He was a father figure, elder statesman and global ambassador,”
Johnson said. “He was the guarantee, almost like an insurance policy,
that South Africa’s young democracy and its leaders will pursue the
nation’s best interests.”
There are telling nuggets of Mandela’s character in the many autobiographies about him.
An unmovable stubbornness. A quick, easy smile. An even quicker frown when accosted with a discussion he wanted no part of. War averted
Despite chronic political violence before the vote that put him in
office in 1994, South Africa avoided a full-fledged civil war in its
transition from apartheid to multiparty democracy. The peace was due in
large part to the leadership and vision of Mandela and de Klerk.
“We were expected by the world to self-destruct in the bloodiest
civil war along racial grounds,” Mandela said during a 2004 celebration
to mark a decade of democracy in South Africa.
“Not only did we avert such racial conflagration, we created amongst
ourselves one of the most exemplary and progressive nonracial and
nonsexist democratic orders in the contemporary world.”
Mandela represented a new breed of African liberation leaders,
breaking from others of his era such as Robert Mugabe by serving one
term.
In neighboring Zimbabwe, Mugabe has been president since 1987. A lot
of African leaders overstayed their welcomes and remained in office for
years, sometimes decades, making Mandela an anomaly.
But he was not always popular in world capitals.
Until 2008, the United States had placed him and other members of the
African National Congress on its terror list because of their militant
fight against the apartheid regime. Humble beginnings
Rolihlahla Mandela started his journey in the tiny village of Mvezo,
in the hills of the Eastern Cape, where he was born on July 18, 1918.
His teacher later named him Nelson as part of a custom to give all
schoolchildren Christian names.
His father died when he was 9, and the local tribal chief took him in and educated him.
Mandela attended school in rural Qunu, where he retreated before returning to Johannesburg to be near medical facilities.
He briefly attended University College of Fort Hare but was expelled
after taking part in a protest with Oliver Tambo, with whom he later
operated the nation’s first black law firm.
In subsequent years, he completed a bachelor’s degree through
correspondence courses and studied law at the University of
Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He left without graduating in 1948.
Four years before he left the university, he helped form the youth
league of the African National Congress, hoping to transform the
organization into a more radical movement. He was dissatisfied with the
ANC and its old-guard politics.
And so began Mandela’s civil disobedience and lifelong commitment to breaking the shackles of segregation in South Africa. Escalating trouble
In 1956, Mandela and dozens of other political activists were charged
with high treason for activities against the government. His trial
lasted five years, but he was ultimately acquitted.
Meanwhile, the fight for equality got bloodier.
Four years after his treason charges, police shot 69 unarmed black
protesters in Sharpeville township as they demonstrated outside a
station. The Sharpeville Massacre was condemned worldwide, and it
spurred Mandela to take a more militant tone in the fight against
apartheid.
The South African government outlawed the ANC after the massacre, and
an angry Mandela went underground to form a new military wing of the
organization.
“There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile for us
to continue talking peace and nonviolence against a government whose
reply is only savage attacks on an unarmed and defenseless people,”
Mandela said during his time on the run.
During that period, he left South Africa and secretly traveled under a
fake name. The press nicknamed him “the Black Pimpernel” because of his
police evasion tactics. Militant resistance
The African National Congress heeded calls for stronger action
against the apartheid regime, and Mandela helped launch an armed wing to
attack government symbols, including post offices and offices.
The armed struggle was a defense mechanism against government violence, he said.
“My people, Africans, are turning to deliberate acts of violence and
of force against the government in order to persuade the government, in
the only language which this government shows by its own behavior that
it understands,” Mandela said at the time.
“If there is no dawning of sanity on the part of the government —
ultimately, the dispute between the government and my people will finish
up by being settled in violence and by force. “
The campaign of violence against the state resulted in civilian casualties. Long imprisonment
In 1962, Mandela secretly received military training in Morocco and
Ethiopia. When he returned home later that year, he was arrested and
charged with illegal exit of the country and incitement to strike.
Mandela represented himself at the trial and was briefly imprisoned
before being returned to court. In 1964, after the famous Rivonia trial,
he was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage and conspiracy to
overthrow the government.
At the trial, instead of testifying, he opted to give a speech that
was more than four hours long, and ended with a defiant statement.
“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against
black domination,” he said. “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic
and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with
equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to
achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to
die.”
His next stop was the Robben Island prison, where he spent 18 of his
27 years in detention. He described his early days there as harsh.
“There was a lot of physical abuse, and many of my colleagues went through that humiliation,” he said.
One of those colleagues was Khehla Shubane, 57, who was imprisoned in
Robben Island during Mandela’s last years there. Though they were in
different sections of the prison, he said, Mandela was a towering
figure.
“He demanded better rights for us all in prison. The right to get
more letters, get newspapers, listen to the radio, better food, right to
study,” Shubane said. “It may not sound like much to the outside world,
but when you are in prison, that’s all you have.”
And Mandela’s khaki prison pants, he said, were always crisp and ironed.
“Most of us chaps were lazy, we would hang our clothes out to dry and
wear them with creases. We were in a prison, we didn’t care. But
Mandela, every time I saw him, he looked sharp.”
After 18 years, he was transferred to other prisons, where he experienced better conditions until he was freed in 1990.
Months before his release, he obtained a bachelor’s in law in absentia from the University of South Africa. Calls for release
His freedom followed years of an international outcry led by Winnie
Mandela, a social worker whom he married in 1958, three months after
divorcing his first wife.
Mandela was banned from reading newspapers, but his wife provided a link to the outside world.
She told him of the growing calls for his release and updated him on the fight against apartheid.
World pressure mounted to free Mandela with the imposition of
political, economic and sporting sanctions, and the white minority
government became more isolated.
In 1988 at age 70, Mandela was hospitalized with tuberculosis, a
disease whose effects plagued him until the day he died. He recovered
and was sent to a minimum security prison farm, where he was given his
own quarters and could receive additional visitors.
Among them, in an unprecedented meeting, was South Africa’s president, P.W. Botha.
Change was in the air.
When Botha’s successor, de Klerk, took over, he pledged to negotiate an end to apartheid. Free at last
On February 11, 1990, Mandela walked out of prison to thunderous applause, his clenched right fist raised above his head.
Still as upright and proud, he would say, as the day he walked into prison nearly three decades earlier.
He reassured ANC supporters that his release was not part of a
government deal and informed whites that he intended to work toward
reconciliation.
Four years after his release, in South Africa’s first multiracial elections, he became the nation’s first black president.
“The day he was inducted as president, we stood on the terraces of
the Union Building,” de Klerk remembered years later. “He took my hand
and lifted it up. He put his arm around me, and we showed a unity that
resounded through South Africa and the world.” Broken marriage, then love
His union to Winnie Mandela, however, did not have such a happy ending. They officially divorced in 1996.
For the two, it was a fiery love story, derailed by his ambition to
end apartheid. During his time in prison, Mandela wrote his wife long
letters, expressing his guilt at putting political activism before
family. Before the separation, Winnie Mandela was implicated in
violence, including a conviction for being an accessory to assault in
the death of a teenage township activist.
Mandela found love again two years after the divorce.
On his 80th birthday, he married Graca Machel, the widow of former Mozambique president, Samora Machel.
Only three of Mandela’s children are still alive. He had 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Symbolic rugby
South Africa’s fight for reconciliation was epitomized at the 1995
rugby World Cup Final in Johannesburg, when it played heavily favored
New Zealand.
As the dominant sport of white Afrikaners, rugby was reviled by
blacks in South Africa. They often cheered for rivals playing their
national team.
Mandela’s deft use of the national team to heal South Africa was
captured in director Clint Eastwood’s 2009 feature film “Invictus,”
starring Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar,
the white South African captain of the rugby team.
Before the real-life game, Mandela walked onto the pitch, wearing a
green-and-gold South African jersey bearing Pienaar’s number on the
back.
“I will never forget the goosebumps that stood on my arms when he
walked out onto the pitch before the game started,” said Rory Steyn, his
bodyguard for most of his presidency.
“That crowd, which was almost exclusively white … started to chant
his name. That one act of putting on a No. 6 jersey did more than any
other statement in bringing white South Africans and Afrikaners on side
with new South Africa.” A promise honored
In 1999, Mandela did not seek a second term as president, keeping his
promise to serve only one term. Thabo Mbeki succeeded him in June of
the same year.
After leaving the presidency, he retired from active politics, but
remained in the public eye, championing causes such as human rights,
world peace and the fight against AIDS.
It was a decision born of tragedy: His only surviving son, Makgatho
Mandela, died of AIDS at age 55 in 2005. Another son, Madiba Thembekile,
was killed in a car crash in 1969.
Mandela’s 90th birthday party in London’s Hyde Park was dedicated to
HIV awareness and prevention, and was titled 46664, his prison number on
Robben Island. A resounding voice
Mandela continued to be a voice for developing nations.
He criticized U.S. President George W. Bush for launching the 2003
war against Iraq, and accused the United States of “wanting to plunge
the world into a Holocaust.”
And as he was acclaimed as the force behind ending apartheid, he made
it clear he was only one of many who helped transform South Africa into
a democracy.
In 2004, a few weeks before he turned 86, he announced his retirement from public life to spend more time with his loved ones.
“Don’t call me, I’ll call you,” he said as he stepped away from his hectic schedule. ‘Like a boy of 15′
But there was a big treat in store for the avid sportsman.
When South Africa was awarded the 2010 football World Cup, Mandela said he felt “like a boy of 15.”
In July that year, Mandela beamed and waved at fans during the final
of the tournament in Johannesburg’s Soccer City. It was his last public
appearance.
“I would like to be remembered not as anyone unique or special, but
as part of a great team in this country that has struggled for many
years, for decades and even centuries,” he said. “The greatest glory of
living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall.”
With him gone, South Africans are left to embody his promise and idealism.
The
National Emergency Management Agency, North East Zone, on Wednesday
confirmed that 300 people were displaced during the Dec. 1 insurgent
attack at some military formations in Maiduguri.
The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by Information
Officer of the agency, Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, and made available to News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.
“NEMA has carried out assessment on the victims of recent attack at the 33 Artillery barrack in Maiduguri.
“After the assessment, 300 people were confirmed internally displaced
and emergency relief materials like beds, blankets and mosquito nets
have been given to them.
“The victims had their residential buildings destroyed in the attack,” Ibrahim said.
The officer said that the gesture was in fulfilment of the agency’s mandate of providing succour to victims of attacks. (NAN)
Funke Akindele’s Ex Husband Marks Second Wife’s Birthday With Her
Comic actress Funke Akindele’s divorced husband Kehinde Oloyede has
obviously carried on with his life, as he recently celebrated the
birthday of one of his wives and shared the photos on his Facebook page.
That wasn’t all, he also showered her with praises, writing: -
“Happy birthday to a wonderful wife, I wish you long life and prosperity
in good health. Thank you for being there always, even when I go off
track. Onisuru lo jogun ohun gbogbo.”
When you truly love someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look
for answers, you don't look for mistakes. Instead, you fight the
mistakes. You accept the faults and overlook the excuses. The measure of
love is when you love without measure. There are rare chances that you
will meet the person you love and who loves you in return. So once you
have it, don't ever let go. That chance might never come your way
again...
Governor - Oshiomhole offers job, & donates N2m to widow he allegedly insulted
Chat212 - News Summary...
Governor Adams Oshiomhole offers job, donates N2m to widow he allegedly insulted.
From his statement “Let me apologise to you for the way I spoke to you" 'Go And Die' Widow.
Chat212 - Newsmail Report...
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo on Monday donated N2m to a widow he allegedly insulted while on an inspection tour of the state.
The widow, Mrs. Joy Ifije, who was invited to the Edo Government House by the governor, was also offered automatic employment by Oshiomhole.
Oshiomhole had invited the widow to personally apologise to her over his uncomplimentary remark that had generated controversies in the conventional and social media in the last few weeks.
The governor said, “Let me apologise to you for the way I spoke to you. I am very sorry about the statement.
“I have also realised that even in anger, one could still achieve the same result that he set out to without provocative outburst.
“I apologise from the bottom of my heart, but sometimes you get angry when people compromise your efforts.”
He said the government was trying to change the face of the state capital by doing its best to make the city beautiful.
The governor added that it was frustrating and bad for some people to truncate government efforts.
He stressed that trading on the road and walk ways could hinder free flow of traffic as well as cause accidents.
Oshiomhole, therefore, appealed to the widow to join in the campaign against road and walkways trading.
The governor said exposing consumables to unhygienic sanitary conditions could also cause ”disease and pose dangerous health hazards to humans.”
Oshiomhole, who also announced the automatic employment of the widow, said the employment would help her ease the burden of widowhood and give her children good and proper education.
He assured the widow that his family would assist the widow’s second child in furthering his education, while also appealing to her to resist the temptation of breaking the law.
The widow had earlier apologised to the governor for her action, saying ‘’ I know I was wrong, that was why I quickly knelt down to beg when I realised I was face to face with the Governor’’.
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