BY SAM DUVWODE
Nigeria Vice President, His Excellency, Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo and Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, was among top government functionaries that attended the Thanksgiving Mass and Celebration of Life in honour of Late Olorogun Patrick Emurode Sito Ideh, at Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport Road Junction, Effurun.
Earlier, Barr. Otuaro who was flanked by other top government functionaries was at the Osubi International Airport to receive the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was in Delta State to honour the Celebration of life of Late Olorogun Patrick Ideh, the Okpako Orere of Otughievwen, a member of the then Zikist movement who died at the age of 95 years.
Prof. Osinbajo while commemorating the passing of Chief Ideh, noted that God gave Olorogun Ideh long life because he knew he had so much to contribute both locally and nationally, adding that he did so much as an urhobo illustrious son.
He noted that, as a young man, Chief Ideh was involved in the struggle for Nigeria independence and was a member of the Zikist movement under the leadership of Late Zik of Africa.
According to him, Ideh’s tenacity, extensive goodwill and conduct were vital in the creation of Delta State. “And today, we have Delta State, a product of his tenacity, a product of his good wisdom, a product of his commitment to his people”. Prof. Osinbajo stated.
Prof. Osinbajo described Chief Ideh as a believer of social democratic ideals. According to him; “when we gather to commemorate the passing of a love one, it is natural to feel a sense of loss and sadness, but in the case of Chief Ideh, our grief is mitigated by gratitude and our sadness is moderated by the service of celebration of the life of a man who intensified his energy in the service of his people”.
“He lived a life of service, a life lived with illustrious accomplishment of the highest order and an elegant testament of his devotion to service. A man who earned his achievements through an unflagging diligence”. Prof. Osinbajo stated.
The Vice President noted that, Chief Ideh’s dedication to his people meant that, for him, personal achievement is not enough. He said, Chief Ideh had the skill, the tenacity and passage to have committed himself purely to his own enrichment, but he had a social conscience, a strong moral conscience and instead committed himself to much larger thoughts of the people of Midwest region, to the people of his community and Nigeria at large.
“At home he was a prophet with honour and with several titles. He remained in the developmental trajectory of the country, and one who took up the mantle of statesman”. Prof. Osinbajo stated.
In his sermon, Rev. Fr. Michael Ekeke , admonished all present that God expect us to show Him appreciation and thanksgiving in every circumstances.
Rev. Ekeke who noted that, Thanksgiving is to show appreciation to God for all He has done for us, said when we give thanks and appreciation to God, it opens more doors and renew our convernant with him.
He noted that Late Olorogun Ideh lived a life of service to God and humanity, adding that, he use his political life to the glory of God.
Fr. Ekeke use the ocassion to enjoin Christians to be actively involve in politics, saying, good leaders are suppose to come from the Christian community and exemplify the leadership qualities of Jesus Christ that would make the society a better place.