ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the death of Chief David Mafuvbe Siakpere, former Principal of Government College Ughelli, as a devastating blow to education and community leadership in the state.
Siakpere, a renowned educationist and elder statesman, died on January 18 at the age of 84.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor said the late education icon was one of the most respected figures in Delta State’s education sector and a proud Urhobo patriot whose life was devoted to service, discipline and the moulding of future leaders.
Oborevwori commiserated with the Egbo-Uhurie Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, the Siakpere family, the Old Boys Association of Government College Ughelli and the entire Urhobo nation over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He recalled that Siakpere’s tenure as principal of Government College Ughelli was widely remembered as a golden era, marked by academic excellence, strict discipline, moral uprightness and the grooming of outstanding students who later excelled in various fields within and outside Nigeria.
According to the governor, the late educationist was more than an administrator, describing him as a mentor, disciplinarian and nation-builder whose influence went far beyond the classroom.
He noted that Siakpere belonged to a generation of school principals who placed equal emphasis on character formation and intellectual development, a philosophy that helped to sustain GCU’s enduring reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools.
“Chief David Mafuvbe Siakpere was a legend in every sense of the word. His life’s work left an indelible imprint on education in Delta State and on the lives of thousands of students who passed through Government College Ughelli under his watch,” Oborevwori said.
The governor added that beyond education, the late Siakpere was a highly respected community leader and elder statesman whose counsel, integrity and unwavering commitment to the Urhobo cause earned him widespread admiration.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family, the Egbo-Uhurie Community and all those mourning his passing, noting that the late educationist’s legacy of excellence, discipline and service would continue to inspire generations.
