The remains of Ojo Maduekwe, a former
minister of foreign affairs, were buried at his hometown in Asaga, Ohafia local
government area of Abia on Saturday.
Maduekwe, who was also minister of
culture and tourism as well as minister of transport, died at the age of 71 and
was buried after a service by the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.
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| Late Chief Ojo Maduekwe |
Some of his friends and associates
described him as a man of ideas and one who was greatly interested in
nation-building.
Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia state,
said that the people of Abia are proud of the deceased because he lived a life
worthy of emulation.
Ikpeazu said the responsibility of
living according to the values Maduekwe represented in life rests “on our
shoulders”, adding that Nigeria had lost a great patriot.
He described Maduekwe as a wonderful
family man, worthy ambassador, warrior of Asaga community and hero to the
people of Abia.
He said that although a lot had been
said about the status and personality of the deceased, the occasion ought to
remind everyone about the transient nature of human life.
In his tribute, Ita Enang, senior
special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on national assembly matters,
lauded Maduekwe for his numerous contributions to the country’s development.
Enang said that the deceased was
intelligent, dutiful and hardworking and would be dearly missed for his
commitment, especially as he still had a lot to contribute to the country.
Also, Godswill Akpabio, majority leader
of the senate, said that it was gratifying to note that Maduekwe lived a
life of service to God and his nation.
Akpabio commiserated with members of
the family and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Earlier in his sermon, Mba Uka, prelate
of Presbyterian Church, admonished the family to stay united and uphold the
legacies of their patriarch.
He said that the deceased had served his purpose on earth and
urged Nigerians to engage in honest labour in service to God and humanity.
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Source: The cable
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