Okowa Mourns Obada, Eminent Army, Air Force Chief, Three Other Deltans Who Died In Quite Succession

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with the Obada family of Agbarho on the passing of retired Maj.-Gen. John Obada, saying he was saddened by the news of his death.

The deceased died on Saturday night after a brief illness. He was 81.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika on Sunday in Asaba, the governor also condoled with the deceased’s Agbarho community, the people of Ughelli North Local Government Area and the Urhobo nation over the sad incident.

Okowa said that the news of Obada’s death was devastating, especially as the nation was in dire need of the wise counseling of retired top military personnel, including Obada, to solve the avalanche of security challenges currently faced by the country.

He, however, added that he was consoled by the fact that the memories of the departed army general would remain immortal.

“As Deltans, we are extremely proud of the outstanding contributions of Gen. Obada to the Nigerian Army where he served as Aide-De-Camp to Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe from 1964 to 1966.He was also Commander, Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Kaduna, 1971 to 1975; General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Enugu, known then as 4th Infantry Division, Nigerian Army.

“Gen. Obada had an illustrious military career and served the nation with all his heart, with full dedication and commitment to duty.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta, I send my deepest condolences to the Obada family, the Urhobo nation and the people of Agbarho where he hails from,” the governor said.

He prayed almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

The governor also expressed sadness on the passing of a former Commissioner in the state and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tom Amioku.

Amioku reportedly died on Saturday after a protracted illness, a few days to June 17 when he would have been 75 years old.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, Okowa said that the demise of Amioku was a great loss to the state and the PDP family, especially at this critical period.

He commiserated with the people of Egborode community, Okpe Local Government Area and Urhobo nation over the sad incident.

According to the governor, the deceased was a gentleman-politician and stakeholder, who served Deltans dedicatedly and conscientiously in the several capacities he served the state.

He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman and grassroots politician, who passed on Saturday.

“The news of his death came to me as another shock, coming a few days after the passing of a serving DESOPADEC board member and former member of the state’s cabinet”, the statement read.

Similarly, Governor Okowa, in the same week, also commiserated with Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa, whose wife, Victoria, passed on Friday.

The deceased, 67, who hailed from Ekrerhavwen in Ughelli North Local Government Area, battled ill-health for many years before her demise.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor said that it was heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Mrs Victoria Avwomakpa, noting that her death was a huge loss not just to her family, but to the church and the society.

He said that Mrs Avwomakpa’s contribution to society was laudable and urged her husband, children and other family members to be consoled by the legacies she left behind.

“I learnt of the passing of Pastor (Mrs) Victoria Avwomakpa, the wife of our father and former South-South Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa.

“It is indeed heart-breaking to lose a dear one, especially a wife of 48 years.

“Although death is the way of all mortals and debt we must all pay, I am nonetheless consoled by the fact that Mrs Avwomakpa, a servant of God, lived a worthy and exemplary life”, the governor said in the statement.

In a related development, the Delta Governor had last week expressed sadness on the passing of the Commissioner representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe local government areas on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Mr Joyce Overah.

Overah reportedly died on Tuesday in Sapele after a brief illness. He was 59.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Wednesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Sapele Local Government Area and Elume community in particular, over the demise of the renowned politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

He noted that the departed Overah was a grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled as Education Secretary, member House of Representatives and as commissioner for Science and Technology from 2015 to 2019.

According to the governor, the deceased was a thorough bred politician whose love for his people led him to contest, and won election to represent them in the lower chamber of the federal parliament.

He said, “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and grassroots-oriented politician, who passed on in Sapele on Tuesday.

“The news of his death came to me as a terrible shock.

“He was a gentleman-politician, who distinguished himself in the service of his people, first, as Education Secretary; member, House of Representatives, and later as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

“As a member of the state‘s Executive Council, in our first term, Overah demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the state was infectious and it was little wonder that he was the Dean, College of Commissioners during the period, and he served diligently.

“Due to his outstanding performance as Secretary, Local Education Authority in Sapele LGA and his clear passion for his people, he was found worthy to represent them in the House of Representatives, where he served diligently between 2007 and 2011.

“Until his death, he was the Commissioner representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe local government areas on the board of DESOPADEC.”

Okowa regretted that the deceased former federal lawmaker and cabinet member in the state passed when his services were needed more, adding that the state government and the people would miss him sorely.