What God thinks, says of us is what matters, says Mogekwu at tribute session for Felix Ibru

The Bishop of Asaba Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu stole the bull’s eye while rendering the closing prayers to end the valedictory and tribute session for the late first civilian governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru at the Government House Asaba.

At the colourful event which had in attendance top government functionaries, traditional rulers, 

legislators, the children of the late former governor and members of the extended Ibru family, Rev. Mogekwu while thanking God for the life and times of the former governor and the success of the tribute session said while people may have said good or bad things in one’s memory, but that what matters is what God thinks and says about us as individuals while sojourning on earth.

Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu.

The import of Rev. Mogekwu’s prayer is that as we live our lives on earth, and whatever experiences people may have about us and declare good or bad, but that what we should strive to do is to be close to God by doing His will so that we can be in his good books as what God thinks and says about the individual is indeed what should matter most. It was a message that sank deep into the listening audience.

Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has renamed the Delta State Secretariat Complex, Asaba as Felix Ibru Secretariat.

According to Governor Okowa, also to be named after the former Governor is the Senate Building of the Delta State University, Abraka subject to the approval of the Governing Council of the University.

The Governor who said, nothing would be too much to immortalize the deceased, made the pronouncement at a solemn valedictory cum tribute session held for Olorogun Ibru at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba yesterday (02/08/16).

He emphasized, "Felix Ibru was a pioneer, visionary, accomplished professional, entrepreneur par excellence, astute politician and strong leader" whose noble disposition as a governor, steely resolve and commitment fused different ethnic groups in the state into "a unified, coherent entity that undoubtedly laid the foundation for the growth and development of Delta State."

"His (Felix Ibru) greatest legacy is that Delta did not only survive as a state but has continued to flourish as a key component of the Nigerian project," Governor Okowa said, adding, "as an elected and distinguished Senator from year 2003 to 2007 representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, he made his mark at the National Assembly where as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment, along with his colleagues in the 5th Senate/House of Representatives, he ensured the passage of the Contributory Pension Act."

The Governor continued, "he saw in every leadership position, whether local or national, an opportunity to serve and make the society a better place for everybody; he was the President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union from 2007 to 2010."

"Olorogun Felix Ibru will be remembered as a patriot, a man of courage and an extraordinary leader who always stood on the side of the people, his life reminds us that wealth and service are not antithetical to each other; that our true wealth lies in our willingness to give ourselves, our time and resources for the common good," the Governor reiterated.

Others who spoke at the occasion, including, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, former Deputy Governors Amos Utuama (SAN), Benjamin Elue and Simeon Ebonka paid glowing tribute on Olorogun Ibru describing him as a nationalist who believed in peaceful approach to achieving results.

Earlier in a sermon at the occasion, the Bishop of Asaba Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu called on Christians to always self-examine themselves to know where they will spend eternity,  stating, "your life should be centered on Christ, in whatever you do, know that the world is not a permanent place, God has given you the grace to turn things to blessing or curse between the period of your birth and death.

He admonished Christians, especially politicians to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness bearing in mind that there will be a day for them to account for their deeds while on earth.