Photo: Maj-General Obada laid to rest in Delta

Late Major-General Orho Esio Obada (rtd), a former Federal Commissioner for Works has been buried at his country home in Agbarho, Ughelli North council area of Delta state.

TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Obada died on June 13 after a brief illness.

Until his death, Obada was Chairman of the Board of Trustee of the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Urhobo nation known as Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

The funeral rites commenced with a brief lying-in state ceremony organised by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), early hours of Friday at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamughe-Agbarho.

This was preceded by cultural displays from a dance troupe, the Eweyha (women wing) of the UPU, as well as a farewell message by the apex socio-cultural body.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in his tribute, said Obada’s passing is a great loss to the state and Nigeria, having served in various capacities in the military and government.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief David Edevbie, described the former Federal Commissioner for Works as a man of integrity and one worthy of emulation by Nigeria’s younger generation.

“Delta state has lost a great man, a man who served his country. He was a complete gentleman, he loved his people. After serving in various capacities, he came back home to serve his people. He was a man of integrity and up standing. Some of us that are younger will emulate him,” Okowa stated.

Some dignitaries who graced the ceremony are Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and former House of Representatives member, Chief Solomon Ahwinahwi.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia and Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, represented by Maj-General J. O. Orifo were also present to bid farewell to the late Major-General.

In a farewell message, president general of UPU worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga, described the late Chief of Air Staff (COAS) as a “priceless asset”.

Taiga, who was represented by the first deputy president of UPU, Chief Captain Anthony Onoharigho, recalled Obada’s commitment to the Urhobo building peace bridges across Urhobo nation.

“He was a dedicated, passionate and courageous Urhobo leader and worked tirelessly for the peace, growth, development, unity and welfare of Urhobo nation and the country at large.

“Till he passed on, he was deeply involved in the ongoing efforts to curtail the worsening security situation in Urhoboland. Eto (nick name for Obada), we deeply mourn you. UPU will continue to mourn you, even as we admire and celebrate your indelible footprints in the sands of time,” the UPU leader stated.

Maj-General Obada (rtd) passed on June 14, after a brief undisclosed ailment.