Okowa tasks Nigerians on humility, honesty in nation-building

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of humility, honesty, diligence and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

Okowa gave the charge on Friday at the funeral service for late Chief Isaac Jemide, an ex Lawmaker and Commissioner in the defunct Bendel.

The ceremony was held at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

Okowa said that imbibing the virtues of humility, honesty, diligence and integrity would help to enhance productivity and strengthened nation-building.

He described the late Jemide, an octogenarian, as a courageous man who spoke truth to power at all times.

Okowa added that his type was the kind of people who could re-shape the community and the nation.

The governor urged the children of the deceased and Nigerians to emulate the virtues of humility, courage and integrity which the elder statesman exhibited.

“He was a man I didn’t meet so frequently. But the few times I met him, I truly fell in love with him because he was a man of strength on the inside.

“Though very humble, he was a man that was very courageous and spoke truth to power at all times and those are the kind of people that can shape a nation and a community.

“I do know that he has impacted very strongly on our society, the Itsekiri nation and Delta as a whole because he was truly a leader.

“In the church, he played his role and rose to become a Papal Knight.

“Not so many people get to that level and I know that he was a very strong voice for the Itsekiri nation that we must continue to appreciate.

“He was a godly man, with godly integrity. Not the integrity now that appears to be on the face, his own was from the inside and it is something I believe and pray that many of our leaders should try to emulate.

“His role in the community was enormous. He served in various capacities, both as employment and appointment. But more importantly, as an elected legislator,” Okowa said.

Earlier, Rev. Fr. Peter Medugu in his sermon admonished Christians not to be afraid of death if they live a righteous life, describing death as the gateway to eternity.

“Man should learn to live right and see life as a preparation for eternity.

“Late Jemide was a great community leader and an epitome of humility,” he said.

The cleric commended the deceased for his humility and commitment to humanity and urged the children to emulate and sustain the legacies of their late father.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jemide was a lawyer and former member of House of Assembly in the defunct Bendel State. He was also a prominent Itsekiri leader of thought.

He was also a former Commissioner in the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), representing Delta.

The deceased passed away on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Warri, at 88.

Among the dignitaries who came to the ceremony included the Deputy Governor of Delta, Kingsley Otuaro; former Governors James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire and others.