The final burial rites of Okwa Ojo Obianukor of Umutu, in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State has been held with a charge on the children to sustain the unity, love and wheel of progress in the family as an honor to their late father.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who gave the admonition during the funeral rites of the late nonagenarian and attended by cream-dela-cream of the society, urged the Ndokwa nation to keep faith with his administration as it is committed to attracting more development to the area.
The governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije acknowledged the support of the Ndokwas to the success stories of the PDP led government in the state and urged the people never to loose focus in their quest for peace and good governance in the state.
Dr Okowa charged Hon Alphonsus Ojo, the eldest surviving son of the late Ojo Obianukor and his siblings to keep the family united as their father who had worked so hard for peace in his home and society at large, would be happier even at death.
“Listening to the biography of the late Okwa Ojo, a one time traditional Prime Minister of Umutu, you can see that he was a great man. He died at the ripe age of 95, leaving behind sound legacies. My advice to Hon Alphonsus Ojo and his siblings is never to let their late father down. They should keep the family united as their father would be very happy seeing the seed of love planted glowing in the family”, Okowa stated.
Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Ochor Christopher Ochor, the member representing Ndokwa West in the House, Charles Emetulu, the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Funkekeme Solomon, Hon Mercy Almona-Isie and retired General Mike Onah, paid glowing tributes to late Okwa Ojo Obianukor for his services to God and humanity during his life time.
They said as a renowned farmer, trader, socialite and politician, the impacts of the late one time Onotu-Uku of Umutu and Chairman Umutu Development Union, UDU to the growth and development of his community, would remain evergreen in the minds of the people.
The eldest surviving son of the late sage and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Hon (Dr) Alphonsus Chukwutem Ojo, said his father lived a life worthy of emulation and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
”My father was the Life President of Otu Chukwuka -Ochili Omedo, the Ugo Okwa (Okwa Spokesman) amongst many others position of trust in Umutu. He was a great man, a disciplinarian and father per excellence. He was a sage. We mourn him in thanksgiving to God for a fulfilled life. He lived his life in service to God and humanity and was called by his creator at the ripe age of 95. We promise to keep his good legacies alive”. Hon Ojo said.
Earlier at the funeral service in honour of the late Okwa Ojo Obianukor by the First Baptist Church, Umutu, the officiating minister said every living being has appointment with death and encouraged all to live a righteous life in order to make heaven on the last day on earth.
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori, some serving and former members of the State Assembly, Civil Commissioners, other top government officials, political, opinion and community leaders, captains of industries and relatives of the Ojo Obianukor family of Umutu were on hand to pay their last respect to the late nonagenarian.
He is survived by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Ojo, 10 Children, 53 grand children and 23 great grand children.
The ceremony featured traditional performances and other side attractions.
