From Osiberoha Osibe, Awka
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President Muhamadu Buhari paid a glowing tribute to Ozo Pius Okonkwo Ngige who was laid to rest at his country-home, Alor in Idemili South local government area of Anambra State Friday January 22, this year while describing of the children of the centenarian and serving Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige as a smart Igboman and hardworking leader.
President Buhari who spoke through Engineer Muhammadu Buhari who represented him at the funeral mass at St John’s Catholic Church Alor .
before the corpse of the deceased was finally interred at a porch in his compound also extolled Pa Ngige for bringing up his six children who have distinguished themselves in the service and growth of the nation and wellbeing of mankind.
He noted that Ozo Ngige lived a fulfilled life and set his children on the track of great accomplishments for which one of his children, Senator Ngige has climbed up the ladder of public office as a former governor of Anambra State, Senator in the 7th National Assembly, founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member of the present Federal Executive Council.
Governor Obiano while thanking God for the long life of their centenarian father, expressed the hope that Senator Ngige would, like his father, contribute meaningfully to the upliftment of mankind.
The late Ozo Ngige who died in September 2014 at the age of 105 years, was a tradesman in the Public Works Department (PWD) who rose to become a Supervisor Building (Carpentry) before retiring from civil service in 1958having disagreed with the British Senior Engineers and Managers on some fundamental issues about the treatment meted Nigerian junior workers and artisans, which amiably earned him the tag ‘Opposition Leader’
He was survived by six children – Ugodinobi Eddie Ngige, (first son), Barrister Lady Berne Nwachukwu, Senator Dr Chris Ngige, Engr Lady Felicia Chingo Obiefuna, Attorney(Mrs) MaryRose Ozee Nwadike and Barrister Nnaemeka Ngige, SAN, among other 30 grand children , 30 great grand children, in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins and uncles.
In a homily the Catholic Arch Bishop of Onitsha, Valerian Okeke said every human being on earth should be prepared for death as it is inevitable,and advisers people to work out their for their salvation,.
Archbishop Okeke appealed to the leaders in the country to serve the interest if the people who elected them to power.
In attendance at the funeral included top government functionaries, captains of industry, traditional rulers. Community leaders and religious leaders as well as representatives of different organizations and institutions including Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, deputy governor of Ogun state, Yefunde Onanuga, minister of Transport, chief Chibuike Amechi. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state John Oyegun, national chairman of APC, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, among others.
