UTE-OKPU/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday joined a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Nigeria at Ute-Okpu Grammar School, Ika North East Local Government Area, to pay tribute to the late Elder Gilbert Okafor Ibegbulem, father of Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, former Principal Secretary to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The late Elder Ibegbulem, who passed away at the age of 89 after a brief illness, was remembered for a life marked by faith, humility, discipline, and dedicated service to God and humanity.
In his address, Governor Oborevwori described the deceased as “an exceptional man whose wisdom, humility, and discipline touched many lives.” He emphasized the value of education, noting, “The best legacy you can give your children is education. Papa understood this truth deeply. He trained his children and raised them with love, discipline, and values.”
Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7–8, the Governor said the late Ibegbulem “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” stressing that his memory would continue to inspire those who knew him. “There’s an old saying that when an elder passes, it is as though a whole library has been lost. Indeed, Papa was a library of wisdom, faith, and values, a man of quiet strength, unwavering principles, and deep devotion to God,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori also commended Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, saying, “The crowd here today reflects the kind of life Papa lived and the values he instilled. Your father was a good man, and like your political father, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, you have shown humility and leadership.” He further urged families to remain united and stressed the importance of raising independent, God-fearing children. “The best gift you can give your children is to make them independent while you are still alive. Because if you don’t, when you are gone, they may become helpless,” he advised.
Delivering the sermon titled “The Love of God,” Venerable Patrick Okoh reminded Christians that eternal life is promised to those who accept Christ. He praised the late Elder Ibegbulem for his service to God and the community, assuring that he “will have eternal life in Christ.” Okoh also encouraged political and community leaders to let divine love guide their actions, stating that such principles “compel them to do the needful so that the nation can be developed.”
The funeral drew a gathering of high-profile dignitaries, including Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife Dame Edith Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Senator James Manager, former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), business magnate Chief Jide Omokore, Senator Dino Melaye, Chief Keston Pondi, members of the National and State Assemblies, and other prominent guests.
The ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes, hymns, and reflections on the life of the late Elder Ibegbulem, who was lauded as a pillar of faith and a model of love, discipline, and educational commitment, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
