Wike, NDDC boss mourn late Dr. Ogbemudia

The governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has described the former governor of the defunct Mid-west and Bendel States, Late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, as a development champion who contributed his quota to the growth of country.

Governor Wike said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, weekend, and signed by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, that he received the news of the death of Late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia with shock, noting that the late former governor passed away when Nigeria was still profiting from his wisdom.

He paid tribute to Dr. Ogbemudia for his commendable distinguished service to the country as a military officer, patriotic politician, leader and sports promoter.

Governor Wike condoled with the immediate family of Dr. Ogbemudia, the people of Edo and Delta States on the demise of the former governor and prayed God to grant the family and the good people of Edo and Delta States the courage to bear the loss.

Also the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Commission, NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, he said received with deep sadness, the news of the demise of the great Niger Deltan, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, at 84 years.

Mr. Ekere recalled the late former governor was called upon to serve as Military Governor of the old Mid-west State in 1967 at only 35 years and displayed, throughout his tenure, an uncommon maturity, wisdom, courage, pragmatic vision, dedication to service, and unflinching commitment to the Nigerian nation, at a time of deep national trials, helping to steer Nigeria to peace and a time of prosperity.

The NDDC boss stated that the time of the late Ogbemudia still resonated in the history of Edo and Delta States, which were carved out of the old Bendel State, as a time of great achievement and development and the Niger Delta region, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, would miss the acuity of his vision, the strength of his commitment, the nobility of his loyalty, and the beauty of his humanity.

He said that the deceased left behind a great void that would be difficult to fill. “He leaves behind a body of work, a library of vision, and a roadmap of engagement with the people that cannot wholly be emulated. But he leaves also a guiding light, by his endearing love for his people and service to humanity, which will continue to show us all the way to go. It fills us with hope that we can duly serve our people and help fulfill their dreams.

“At the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, we will continue to take a cue from his work and his example, as well as comfort in his legacy, to continue to work to facilitate sustainable regional development and help create the new Niger Delta of which he dreamt and contributed in no small measure to actualize.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, as well as the good people of Edo State for this very sad departure. And we commiserate with Mr. Sam Ogbemudia Jr. and the entire Ogbemudia family, for the death of their patriarch and our collective father,” Mr. Ekere said.