By Seyi Babalola
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and wife Dame Edith Okowa, on Friday, attended the funeral service of late business mogul, Chief Ignatius Erigbuem at Saint Michael’s Anglican Church, Owa-Alero, Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.
Also in attendance were Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, member House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Amb. Godson Echegile, Hon. Nduka Irabor, among other dignitaries.
The late Chief Ignatius Erigbuem was an industrialist and businessman who passed on at the age of 88.
In his remarks at the funeral service, Governor Oborevwori said that the late Erigbuem was a philanthropist, adding that he made outstanding contributions to humanity.
The governor urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of service, kindness and impact which the late Chief Erigbuem epitomised.
“Today we have not come to mourn, but to celebrate a good leader; our late father, Chief Ignatius Erigbuem. He was a phenomenon, a great father, an outstanding businessman and philanthropist who impacted so many lives.
“All what the Bishop said about our late father is true and like I will always say, the people you are able to impact matters a lot in life and I am convinced that Chief Erigbuem lived a very good life.
“If we all have the kind heart and goodness that Chief Erigbuem had, life will be a better place for mankind and as politicians we must live a life to be remembered for.
“Today we are here because Chief Erigbuem impacted many lives and I urge us all to keep doing good and the Lord will bless us.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Erigbuem family on the passing of a great father and leader.
“I enjoin the entire family to uphold the legacy and life of great impact in which our father was known and celebrated for.
“Our father lived a life worthy of emulation and we thank you for coming in large numbers to celebrate the life and times of our great leader and father, Chief Ignatius Erigbuem,” Governor Oborevwori said.
Delivering a sermon titled; “The day of death”, Bishop of Ika Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Godfrey Ekpenisi”, described the late Chief Erigbuem as a man of great impact who made so much contributions to the growth and development of his community and the Ika nation.
He said Pa Erigbuem was a committed worshiper of God who served God and made impact in the lives of men and advised Christians to create ripples of kindness by investing in the lives of others.
Bishop Ekpenisi said that Chief Erigbuem may be dead and buried but his contributions to humanity would long be remembered by generations to come and urged Christians to be prepared for the day of death as no one knows when it will come.
