Okowa challenges retirees on devt of their communities

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged retirees to contribute to the development of their communities. The Governor made the call Friday in Asaba during the burial ceremony of Chief (Mrs) Philomena Onyeobi, wife of the former Secretary to the defunct Bendel State Government, Chief Patrick Onyeobi.

According to the Governor, Chief Onyeobi who is the Iyase of Asaba and his deceased wife had done a lot for the people of Asaba since their retirement from the civil service, asserting, “when we see people God has blessed, we are truly excited about that because most people after their retirement from the civil service will not come back home to contribute to the development of their communities.

“You (Chief Onyeobi) and mummy have done a lot for the development of Asaba and Delta State, it is our prayer that God will continue to bless you,”

Governor Okowa noted that the late Mrs Onyeobi for more than 50 years, was a great companion to her husband.

The Governor who was accompanied by top government functionaries attended the requiem Mass organised in honour of the deceased at St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, Asaba, and also visited the former SSG at home where he paid his condolences on behalf of himself, his family, the government and the people of Delta State.

In a condolence message he personally signed during the visit, the Governor wrote, “may the soul of our departed mother, Chief Nkechi Onyeobi, rest in peace. It is worthy to serve God and be of service to humanity. May the Lord, God, encourage the family on in Jesus name.”

Chief Onyeobi who had an array of Asaba Chiefs adorning traditional attire during the visit, thanked Governor Okowa and the people of Delta State for identifying with his family during the period and used the occasion to commend Governor Okowa’s administration for the giant stride it is recording in the provision of infrastructure, especially in the area of road construction.

Rev. Fr. Gerard Ononiwu had in a homily during the Mass which was celebrated by Monsignor Stephen Uzoma and attended by people of all walks of life, urged Christians to be conscious of where they will spend eternity bearing in mind that death is no respecter of age or status.

The Priest described the deceased as a prayerful and good woman and prayed that God should accept her soul.