April 20, (THEWILL)- The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, and former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, on Friday, attended the funeral of late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.
The funeral, which was held at St. John Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of the state, also had in attendance the former deputy governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue; member representing Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo and his Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency counterpart, Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okolie.
Others include former Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu; former Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; MD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, and Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barr. Chiedu Ebie, among other dignitaries.
The late Ojougboh died on February 7 at the age of 64. Until his death, he was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was elected into the House of Representatives under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he represented Ika Federal Constituency from 2003-2007.
He held other positions, including South-South Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of the interim governing board of the NDDC where he served as Executive Director, Projects.
In a homily, Very Revd Dr. Charles Uganwa called on all creatures to prepare for death on a daily basis, stressing that death was a must for all mortals.
He described Dr. Ojougboh as a patriot, nationalist, statesman, socialite and man of the people, who used his life to serve God and humanity and charged his family to draw closer to Christ who has called their father home.
He equally reminded politicians of the need to see their position as a platform to render selfless services, affirming that it was absurd for Nigerians to suffer underdevelopment and lack of electricity after 64 years of nationhood.
Speaking further, he said Delta State was advancing in terms of development and reminded the present administration of the need to do more in human capital development and revival of ailing and moribund industries as a way to tackle unemployment.
In his remark at the service, the son of the deceased, Nkem Ojougboh, said his father left indelible footprints on the sands of time and pledged, on behalf of his family, to immortalise him by upholding his legacies.
He thanked all who identified with his family since the demise of his father, Dr. Ojougboh, and sued for continued prayers for them to stand firm in this period of bereavement.
In a related development, Governor Oborevwori, his Deputy, Chief Monday Onyeme; the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other top government functionaries also visited Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area for the funeral of late Senior Apostle Patrick Osuoza, father of the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza.
Speaking at the reception ceremony, Dr. Osuoza described his deceased father as a man who affected his community positively, impacted lives and made remarkable contributions to the body of Christ.
While thanking Governor Oborevwori, his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; immediate past governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and others for identifying with him and his family, he assured that all the good things their patriarch stood for would be upheld.
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
