The board, management and staff of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) led by the Chairman, Hon. Michael Diden, yesterday visited Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to condole with him on the passing of his father, Pa Arthur Okorie Okowa.
Speaking during the visit at the Government House Asaba, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, said the board received with sadness “the passing of your dear and loving father and patriarch of the family, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.”
Ogieh said Pa Okowa’s death was not only a collosal loss to the family alone but to humanity in general because of the positive impacts he made in his 88 years of sojourn on earth.
He urged the governor and his siblings, to be comforted by the sterling legacies papa left behind.
“As a teacher, community leader and elder statesman, we are witnesses to the noble virtues of service, integrity and belief in education of the younger generation he not only espoused, but also devoted his life to.
“He dedicated his life to investing in the youth through quality education and mentored generations of them who today have become specialists in their chosen areas of endeavours.
“And as an Eeder statesman, he preached the virtues of responsible politics where service to the people should be the major motivating factor in the quest for leadership.
“Papa always exuded an infectious, exceptional warmth towards both the young and old, especially at those convivial moments when he regaled with some rare historical details from his deep reservoir of knowledge.
“We also attest to the fact that he was also a father to all that had the privilege of coming in contact with him. Papa was an embodiment of wisdom, kindness and love for one’s neighbour.
“Papa was the unsung peace ambassador, who believed in equity, fair play and justice for all. He will be missed greatly.
“Your Excellency, even though your dear father passed on at 88 years, an age one can say he lived long, the loss of a precious father is never a little pain to bear. We pray to the Most High God to receive his kind soul in His Paradise,” Ogieh stated.
