Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday expressed sadness over the demise of Professor Ayodeji Femi-Pearce, founder of the popular Whispering Palms resort in Badagry.
Femi-Pearce, a former provost, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), acting vice chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG) and pro-chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) died last Friday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.
Governor Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, described the death of the late professor of medicine as a great loss to the academic community as well as the hospitality industry.
“Professor Femi-Pearce was a man of many parts. From the academic world to the hospitality industry, he wrote his name in gold. His brilliance in the academia was well known as he contributed in no small way in enhancing research especially in the medical profession.
“His contributions in the hospitality industry cannot be underestimated. Through the popular Whispering Palms resort he founded with his late wife, he attracted visitors and tourists to the ancient town of Badagry and the state. He also spearheaded some community projects which today have greatly enhanced the standard of living in the town,” he said.
The governor, while commiserating with the family of the late professor, urged them to uphold the ideals he stood for and preserve the legacies which would continue to serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
