Governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa has extolled the late Senator Patrick Osakwe for his outstanding accomplishments at the Senate and for his contributions to the growth and development of his Senatorial District and Delta in general.
Okowa spoke at the funeral mass in honour of the late former Delta North Senator at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ugiliamai, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State.
He urged the family and followers of the late senator to trust in God and take solace in the fact that their patriarch lived a life of great accomplishments as an astute businessman and politician of repute.
He said, “We have come here, though we mourn, but to celebrate not just a true son of Ugiliamai or Ndokwa nation but of Delta state and Nigeria.
“We know that our departed father and brother, Sen. Patrick Osakwe is a household name in our nation Nigeria.
“As a little boy, I heard about him because he truly worked very hard and he started from a humble beginning but rose in hard work to the top.
“We are told of his exploits in business and his philanthropy to people. We know about the things he has done here and in Delta State.
“When he was to run for the office of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, I was the Director-General of his Campaign.
“I was privileged to replace him in the Senate after he served his people very well for 12 years (1999-2011).
“He was a great politician and even ran election under another party and still won landslide.
“God knows why he has chosen to take him at this time that we all need him, especially, his immediate family. He was a father figure to a lot of people politically.
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“Having done 12 years in active political service for the people of Delta North, he willingly stepped aside because he thought I should run for the Senate at that time.
“It takes a strong politician to run for elections and win three times. Senator Osakwe had very difficult and turbulent primaries but he still won landslide and that is the hallmark of great men.”
Earlier in his homily, Rev’d Father Barnabas Esegine described the late Senator Osakwe as an enigma who didn’t live for himself but for others.
He urged Christians to live their life with eternity in view, adding that the late Senator Osakwe would be remembered for the lasting legacies he built for God and humanity.
The funeral service was attended by former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, Senator James Manager, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Member House of Representatives, Hon. Ossai Ossai, State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso among other dignitaries.
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