ISIALA-NGWA/Nigeria: In a heartfelt call to action, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued an impassioned plea for Nigerians to lead lives of significance and leave a lasting impact on society.
Governor Oborevwori made this profound statement during his remarks at the funeral service of late Ezinne Gold Egege, held in the Amuke autonomous Community of Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area in Abia State.
The late Ezinne Gold Egege was the mother of Mrs. Catherine Onyeme, the wife of Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Speaking at the solemn ceremony, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that there is no ideal moment for one’s departure from this world and, therefore, urged Christians to live lives of substantial influence while they are still alive. He highlighted that Mrs. Egege had lived a life marked by remarkable accomplishments and had left a profound positive impact on humanity and her community.
While extending condolences to the bereaved family, Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government for their support during this difficult time.
He offered prayers for the departed soul, seeking eternal rest for the deceased. Additionally, Governor Oborevwori commended Governor Alex Otti for his hospitality and pledged to invite him to inaugurate projects in Delta State in the near future.
Governor Oborevwori stated, “I went through the biography of our mother, Ezinne Egege, and a lot has been said about her for the lives she touched while she was alive. You will not be remembered for the wealth you have acquired or the things you have achieved but for the lives you were able to touch and impact in the community. There is no particular time to die; death will surely come when it will come, but in all, we must leave a legacy behind. Ezinne lived a good life, and our prayers are with the Egege family on this great loss. I thank God I made out time to come celebrate the life and times of a great woman who loved her people.”
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, also paid tribute to the late Ezinne Gold Egege, describing her as a devoted mother who had faithfully served God throughout her life. Governor Otti emphasized that the duration of one’s life is not as crucial as the quality of life one leads. He applauded Governor Oborevwori for his outstanding efforts in Delta State, particularly in caring for the welfare of workers and the less fortunate in society.
Governor Otti stated, “I want to thank you for the important things you are doing for Deltans, especially your care and love for human beings. It has come to my knowledge that you have set aside so much money in paying salary and pension arrears and even supporting struggling families. That is what governance is all about because each time governance moves from human beings to some other things, you have failed as a leader. This is not about stomach infrastructure but a structured system to move people out of poverty and a system where people will have money in their hands to buy whatever they want.”
Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed his gratitude to all the guests for honoring the invitation to the funeral service of his late mother-in-law. He lauded the Abia State Government for their support in ensuring the successful burial of his late mother-in-law.
During a sermon titled “His Great Promise,” Most Rev’d Isaac Nwaobia, the Archbishop of Aba Province (Anglican Communion), Church of Nigeria, stressed the importance of Christians living in accordance with God’s Biblical teachings to receive eternal blessings. He emphasized that living a life pleasing to the Lord leads to the promise of eternal life. Most Revd. Nwaobia also noted that the actions of Christians on Earth determine their eternal destiny and praised the late Ezinne Gold Egege for her positive impact on humanity, praying for her soul to rest in eternal peace.
The funeral service was attended by dignitaries including Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the Governor; Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; Chief Kingsley Esiso, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party; Rt. Rev’d Festus Nwafili, Bishop of Ndokwa Diocese, and numerous other esteemed guests.
