WARRI/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday joined the Arenyeka family, political leaders and other dignitaries in Warri to honour the late Mrs Felicia Oritseolumewo Arenyeka, mother of the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka.
The funeral service, held at First Baptist Church, Warri, brought together the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, former Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other political and public figures who came to sympathise with the Arenyeka family.
Also present were Lady Catherine Onyeme, wife of the Deputy Governor; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and Ede Dafinone; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Hon. Francis Waive, as well as traditional and community leaders.
In his exhortation titled “Life’s Practical Challenges to Christians and Office Holders,” the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Warri, Rev. Jesse Okoroji Jnr., used the occasion to reflect on the demands of life, leadership and public service.
Okoroji described the late Mrs Arenyeka as “a woman of songs”, saying she left positive impressions on her family and community and should be remembered for the beauty and inspiration her life provided to those around her.
He urged Christians and people entrusted with public responsibilities to approach their duties with humility, steadfastness and faithfulness, stressing that leadership comes with practical challenges that require character and commitment.
The cleric also commended Governor Oborevwori for projects across Delta State, with particular reference to the ongoing transformation of Warri through urban renewal and infrastructure development.
He cited the construction of flyovers, bridges and other major projects under the Warri Urban Transformation programme, saying the projects were changing the physical outlook of the city.
Okoroji urged the Governor to sustain the development drive, saying continued investment in infrastructure would contribute to the repositioning of Warri and the wider state.
He also acknowledged the Governor’s intervention on the Warri-Sapele-Benin Highway and appealed to the contractor handling the project to accelerate construction work.
According to him, faster completion of the highway would ease the difficulties faced by motorists, commuters and residents who rely on the route as an important link within the region.
The pastor further commended the prevailing peace in Delta State, noting that security and stability were necessary for development to take root.
He prayed for the continued peace and unity of the state and urged leaders and residents to support efforts that would preserve the prevailing atmosphere.
The funeral provided an opportunity for family members, political associates, community leaders and sympathisers to honour the deceased and offer condolences to the Arenyeka family.
Mrs Arenyeka was remembered at the service for the values she embodied and the influence she had on her family and community during her lifetime.
