By Abiola Olawale
The family of the late Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr Waheed Ayilara, has expressed their appreciation to friends, well-wishers, the Nigerian Police, and Nigerians at large for standing by them.
Ayilara’s wife, Mrs Ronke Ayilara, in a statement issued on Friday and made available to the New Diplomat, appreciated everyone for standing by her family since the demise of her husband.
She said: “Words cannot adequately convey the depth of our appreciation for the immense support, love, and kindness shown to us during this challenging period. The outpouring of condolences, heartfelt messages, prayers, and financial contributions has been a source of comfort and strength to us all.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Inspector General of Police, the officers and members of the Nigeria Police Force, who were not only his colleagues but also his extended family. Your unwavering support and dedication to his memory reflect the bond he shared with you all. Special thanks to the Police Officers’ Wives Association for your solidarity and the comfort you provided in countless ways.
“We are equally grateful to the governors and the people of Akwa Ibom and the Lagos States for their recognition of my husband’s service and for the compassion and kindness extended to us in our time of grief. Your generous gestures of condolence, your words of encouragement, and your presence through your representatives have touched our hearts deeply.
“To our friends, neighbours, and well-wishers who reached out to us, visited, called, offered their prayers and made financial contributions, we say thank you. Your empathy and support have lightened our burden and provided solace in our darkest hours.
“We also wish to extend our gratitude to the members of the media for their respectful coverage and for helping to honour my husband’s legacy. Your efforts to convey the tributes and memorials to the wider community have brought great comfort to us, knowing that his dedication and service were recognized and valued.
“In our loss, we have come to realize how richly blessed we are to have such an incredible network of support and love. We are immensely grateful to each one of you for standing with us and helping us navigate this difficult time.
“May Allah bless you abundantly for your kindness, and may He reward you for the love and compassion you have shown to us.”
It would be recalled that Ayilara died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on August 29 after undergoing prostate cancer surgery.
