The patriarch of the Kila family, Elder HRB Kila, is dead.
The trained Accountant and Auditor died at the age 82 on November 2, 2016 in Lagos where he lived and worked for over 60 years.
Fondly called HRB by friends and family, Mr. Herbert Rufus Bamidele Kila worked for many years with the now defunct Nigeria Airways, where he became the first Director of Audit. He was also for many years IATA’s Chief Security Agent in West Africa.
Before joining the Aviation industry, he worked as a teacher and later a school headmaster. HRB was known as a disciplinarian and famous for his stance against corruption.
The deceased was the father of the Centre Director at CIAPS Lagos, Prof Anthony Kila.
Confirming the news about the passing away of his father, Prof Anthony Kila commented: “HRB will be greatly missed by his many children, grandchildren and mentees who all consider him as loving and caring.
“On a personal note, he introduced me to Shakespeare, the classics in general, politics and he taught me how to stand my ground on principle and the importance of saying no to frivolities”.
Commenting on his passing away, his daughter, Mrs Dupe Killa-Kafidipe, Group Head, Strategy & Corporate Services at the Capital Express Group, said: “Maybe I will have the words tomorrow. Today, I am just grateful that I had the privilege to call him ‘Dad’.
“My first love…thank you for your devotion. My last words to you remain the same: I love you, Daddy; I do and I always will”.
Elder HRB Kila is survived by his brother, sisters, wife, children and grandchildren.
The family has confirmed that funeral ceremonies will include:
- A service of Songs in Lagos on 28th November 2016
- Lying in State at Igbo Eye EfonAlaaye on 1st December 2016
- Burial and Final rites at the Saint Paul Anglican Church EfonAlaaye 2nd December 2016
