Okowa condoles Lori-Ogbebor over husband’s death
Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday has condoled frontline Itsekiri leader, Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori-Ogbebor, on the passing of her husband, Col Paul Ogbebor (rtd).
Ogbebor, who died at 80, was a Nigerian civil war veteran and the first cadet to enrol at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
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In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika in Asaba, the governor recalled that the deceased was an elder statesman, who played key roles in keeping Nigeria as one indivisible entity.
the governor added that the late Ogbebor’s contributions to nation-building were laudable and worthy of emulation, and also commended the deceased for documenting his professional life in a book: “Nigerian Defence Academy: A pioneer cadet’s memoir.”
He said that “the passing on of retired Col. Paul Ogbebor is a great loss to the people of Niger Delta considering his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the region, especially through his vocal contributions under the aegis of PAN-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Edo Leaders of Thought.
“As a civil war veteran, his contributions to the service of his country are commendable and worthy of appreciation. His passing at this time is a great loss to our country as his untiring voice on national issues will be sorely missed.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, I condole with his beloved wife and our leader, Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori-Ogbebor, on the passing of the elder statesman and leader.
“It is our prayer that God grants her and the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss of their patriarch.”
Until his death, Ogbebor was chairman of the Edo state chapter of PAN-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and leader of Edo Leaders of Thought (ELT), a Benin socio-cultural group.
