Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their condolences and show of love on the passing of his father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.
The Governor, in a statement he personally signed, announced that because of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the family had resolved to hold a private burial for their late patriarch.
According to Okowa, “in view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, we have opted to hold a private burial ceremony sometime this month, while a celebration of life event will take place on August 21, 2021.
“Hopefully, by then the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic would have given way to a freer and more assured environment,’’ he stated.
He described his late father as a “huge pillar of support”, and said that he would miss his wise counsel.
“On behalf of the Okowa family of Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area, I wish to thank all who have taken time to commiserate with us on the death of my beloved father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.
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“Ever since the news of his demise, our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill from a wide spectrum of political, business, religious leaders as well as the mass of Nigerians.
“My siblings and I are deeply grateful for the show of solidarity, which have, in no small measure, helped us to cope with Papa’s passing.
“Although he died at what may be considered a good old age, the death of someone so dear cannot but leave one with a sense of void.
“My late father was a strong pillar of support all through my political/public service career.
“I drew immeasurably from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and he was very passionate about the growth and development of our beloved Delta State.
“As a family, we will greatly miss his physical fellowship but we thank God that he lived a good and full life; he has etched his name in gold with his legacy of hard work, selfless service, discipline, godliness, love for others/community, and passion for positive, lasting change,” he said.
“Once again, I thank all those who have called, visited, prayed for us and issued statements in solidarity with our family. May God richly bless you,” the governor added.
