Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has advised Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to live selfless and sacrificial lives and use their positions to make society a better place for all.
Key Highlights
- Governor Okpebholo urges public office holders to live selfless, sacrificial lives.
- He spoke at the funeral mass for Chief Dan Orbih, late Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
- The mass held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, Edo State.
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed suggestions of any rift with the governor.
- Auchi Catholic Bishop Gabriel Dunia urged Nigerians to reflect on the transient nature of life.
Governor Okpebholo made the call during the funeral mass for the late Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Chief Daniel Orbih, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, Edo State.
The governor, in an emotional voice, said the death of Orbih has reminded him of the uncertainty of life and the need for people to make meaningful contributions to society while they are alive.
He recalled that his first visit to the church was to celebrate Orbih’s birthday and expressed sadness that he has returned to the same venue to attend his funeral.
“This is my second time coming to this church. The first time I came here was to come celebrate with Chief Dan Orbih. I said to him, we will be coming here like this in the next eight years to celebrate your birthday, but today, we are here for a different purpose.
“Today, it has dawned on me that there is nothing in life. Here lies in the casket, the remains of Chief Orbih and he can’t stand up or walk anymore,” he said.
Okpebholo urged Nigerians, especially public office holders, to make life meaningful for others, noting that wealth, positions and other achievements cannot change the reality of death.
“My prayers is that, God Almighty will give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the governor added.
He also thanked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for standing by Orbih’s family during the difficult period.
Wike Dismisses Rift With Okpebholo
Wike, in his remarks, said the funeral activities have reinforced the reality of death and the pain of losing a close friend.
“When I saw the casket, it dawned on me that truly my friend and brother is gone. There is nothing we can do but to pray to God to give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he said.
The minister thanked Governor Okpebholo for supporting Orbih’s family and paying his last respects to the deceased at his residence in Benin City.
He also dismissed suggestions of any disagreement between him and the governor, saying their relationship remains cordial.
“There is no problem between me and the governor, we are very close, we work together and we would continue to work together,” Wike said.
Read also:
- Okpebholo Receives Dan Orbih’s Remains at Benin Airport, Pays Emotional Tribute
- Wike: God Used Late Dan Orbih to Make Me Rivers Governor
- South South PDP Calls On Party’s National Leadership To Immortalise Orbih
Bishop Dunia Reflects On Transience Of Life
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, urged the congregation and Nigerians to reflect on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Dunia said titles, academic qualifications, positions, social status and personal achievements could not prevent death when the time came.
He called on the faithful to follow the path of truth and light, stressing the importance of living meaningful lives and remaining conscious of their responsibilities to God and humanity.
The bishop also recalled that Orbih’s parents introduced him to the Catholic faith, noting that he was born, baptised and dedicated in the church.
“Death is what all must pay and one can tell God to hold on because we are busy at the moment but be prepared to answer the call at any time,” he said.
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