Okowa, Wabba, others, bid Ofoeyeno farewell at funeral

It was a solemn celebration of the Holy Mass Friday (04/11/16) as the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa joined the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba and other labour leaders to bid Comrade David Ofoeyeno a final goodbye.

Governor Okowa consoling the widow of the late Comrade David Ofoeyeno.

Comrade Ofoeyeno until his passage to the great beyond at the age of 53 was the Chairman of NLC, Delta State Council.
Governor Okowa during the funeral Mass held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Steel Township 1, DSC, Aladja, urged labour leaders to always protect the interest of their members and be cautious of destabilizing government with their actions.
"We have truly lost a leader in labour unionism, we at the state have lost a friend, he always had strong voice for the union, yet, he was cautious not to destabilize the government, that is how it should be," the governor said, adding, "David's death is a great loss to a lot of people, he was a special man, for the past eight years, he has always identified with me, I am excited that he is with our God, he was God's gift to our generation."

Governor Okowa (left) with Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Comrade Khaleel at
 Ofoeyeno's funeral.

The governor continued, "he was a philanthropist, a committed and intelligent unionist, a dedicated father and a true champion for the workforce who believed in constructive engagement with the government which has yielded a lot of results."
Governor Okowa assured members of his family and the church that his administration would sustain his legacies, especially, school for special children, Centre for Children with Neurological Disorder (AUTISM) which was established by the late unionist.
"Not many Nigerians will think in that direction," Governor Okowa said, reiterating, "he (Comrade Ofoeyeno) spent his resources to care for those who are in need."
President of NLC, Comrade Wabba in a brief tribute, stated, "we have lost a trust-worthy labour leader, with his life, he proved that it is not how long somebody has lived but how well, we will greatly miss him."
He reiterated,  "we have heard testimonies of the good works he did, he stood for social justice, he gave hope to the oppressed; this is a sad moment for us."
Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Aworie in a homily, urged Christians to display their values, and attitude to the world by engaging in peaceful activities, stating, "we should live like our Lord, Jesus Christ for us to make heaven."
While describing the deceased labour leader as kind-hearted and generous, the Priest appealed to the Delta State Government to take over the running of the School for children with neurological disorder otherwise known as autism which was established by Comrade Ofoeyeno.