0
0
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed sadness over the passing of renowned missionary, Ruth Elton, who was until her death regarded as Nigeria’s oldest missionary.
Elton, who died at the age of 91 in Ilesa, Osun State, was the daughter of Sydney Granville Elton, one of the foremost pioneers of the Pentecostal revival movement in Nigeria.
She arrived in the country with her father in 1937 and dedicated her entire life to spreading the gospel and championing grassroots healthcare initiatives that impacted countless lives.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described Elton’s passing as a huge loss, not only to Osun State where she lived and died, but also to the Nigerian nation as a whole.
“I am devastated by the news of the passing of Ruth Elton, the woman widely acknowledged as the oldest missionary to Nigeria. Although she passed on at a ripe age of 91 years, knowing her contributions over the years, I cannot but feel the pain of such a loss,” Adeleke said.
The governor particularly praised Elton’s uncommon commitment to Nigeria, recalling her remarkable decision to renounce her British citizenship in favour of Nigerian nationality. He said the move was a true reflection of her love for the country and its people.
“From 1937 when she arrived Nigeria with her father, Granville Elton, Ruth Elton has served the Nigerian people with unfailing dedication, contributing not just to the spread of gospel, but also joining efforts to fight many health scourges in communities,” Adeleke added.
He further noted that her life of sacrifice and service would remain a source of inspiration to future generations, urging members of the Christian community and others touched by her works to continue building on her legacy.
“Her absence will be a heavy burden to us in Osun where she breathed her last on earth, but we will be consoled by the legacy of her impacts and the everlasting honour that comes with her contributions to the society,” the governor said.
Governor Adeleke prayed for the repose of her soul and called on the faithful to emulate her vision of faith, community development, and humanitarian service.
Average Rating