Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh has expressed sadness over the passing away of Sir Arthur Okowa, the father of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a statement, Askia stated that the death of Arthur Okowa came as a shock, describing Pa Okowa as a teacher, loving father, councilor, lover of God and adviser.
The statement reads: “I received with shock and sadness the passing of Pa Arthur Okowa, father of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta Delta State and patriarch of the family.
“I had a privileged relationship with Pa Okowa since coming in contact with him decades ago, during which time I tapped fatherly wisdom.
“A teacher, loving father, councilor, lover of God and adviser, Pa Okowa was a father to all who came in contact with him. I am immensely proud to call him a father because he considered me a son too. I thank God for granting him long life, even though we wished he lived longer.
“On behalf of my wife and children, I pray to Almighty God to receive the soul of our dear father in His paradise.
“I also pray for my leader, Governor Okowa, and the entire Okowa family for the fortitude and grace from the Most High to bear this painful loss”.