By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq.
#Eacgovdelta
Delta State Governor and successor of Okowa family Dynasty in Owa-Alero, Ika North East, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has disclosed that a private burial ceremony will be held for his late father, anytime in February.
The governor made the disclosure in a press statement he signed on Thursday 11th February, 2021 wherein he expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians, from all walks of life and indeed Deltans for their condolences, show of uncommon love and sincere affection since the demise of their patriarch.
It will be recalled that Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa, slept deeper than divers into the high profundity of sleep on Thursday January 28, 2021 at his home town of Owa-Alero in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria. He slept in the Lord at the ripe age of 88 years.
Governor Okowa, however assured that his family will put together a grand ceremony on the 21st day of August, this year, tagged “Celebration of Life” to further appreciate the elder Okowa for leaving an enviable legacy behind.
Background checks revealed that Sir Okorie Okowa, rendered selfless service to his community, contributed immensely to nation building as an educational administrator; and was indeed a bridge builder for the growth and stability of constitutional democracy. He was a great patriot, elder statesman and a forthright political strategist.
He gave his all, as a professional teacher and impacted knowledge to thousands of pupils, many of whom occupied and still occupying enviable positions in public and private sectors. Pa Okorie was also one of Chief James Ibori’s confidants during his eight years tenure as Executive Governor of Delta State, from 1999 to 2007.
The platinum governor of Delta State, hinted that his late father was a “huge pillar of support”, not only to him but to all his siblings and the good people of Owa-Alero community, where he occupied a prominent position as a titled Chief and community leader who championed advocacy for peaceful coexistence, community development and shared love for the good of mankind and egalitarian society, where peace, justice and equity mattered most, adding that his loving and caring father will be greatly missed.
“In view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, we have opted to hold a private burial ceremony sometime this month, while a Celebration of Life event will take place on August 21, 2021.
“Hopefully, by then the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic would have given way to a freer and more assured environment,’’ he stated.
“On behalf of the Okowa family of Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area, I wish to thank all who have taken time to commiserate with us on the death of my beloved father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.
“Ever since the news of his demise, our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill from a wide spectrum of political, business, religious leaders as well as the mass of Nigerians.
“My siblings and I are deeply grateful for the show of solidarity, which have, in no small measure, helped us to cope with Papa’s passing.
“Although he died at what may be considered a good old age, the death of someone so dear cannot but leave one with a sense of void.
“My late father was a strong pillar of support all through my political/public service career.
“I drew immeasurably from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and he was very passionate about the growth and development of our beloved Delta State.
“As a family, we will greatly miss his physical fellowship but we thank God that he lived a good and full life; he has etched his name in gold with his legacy of hard work, selfless service, discipline, godliness, love for others/community, and passion for positive, lasting change,” he said.
“Once again, I thank all those who have called, visited, prayed for us and issued statements in solidarity with our family. May God richly bless you,” the governor added.
