Gov. Okowa Mourns Late Gen. Obada, Condoles Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa Over Wife's Demise

"The news of Obada's death was devastating, especially as the nation was in dire need of the wise counseling of retired top military personnel, including Obada, to solve the avalanche of security challenges currently faced by the country".

"It was heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Mrs Victoria Avwomakpa, noting that her death was a huge loss not just to her family, but to the church and the society".

The Delta state Governor has commiserated with the Obada family of Agbarho on the passing of retired Maj.-Gen. John Obada, as he expressed his sadness over the news of his death.

The retired Army General died on Saturday night after a brief illness, at the age of 81yrs.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika on Sunday in Asaba, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa also condoled with the people of Agbarho community, the people of Ughelli North Local Government Area and the Urhobo nation over the sad incident.

Okowa, in the statement, said "the news of Obada's death was devastating, especially as the nation was in dire need of the wise counseling of retired top military personnel, including Obada, to solve the avalanche of security challenges currently faced by the country".

He, however, added that he was consoled by the fact that the memories of the departed army general would remain immortal.

“As Deltans, we are extremely proud of the outstanding contributions of Gen. Obada to the Nigerian Army where he served as Aide-De-Camp to Nigeria's first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe from 1964 to 1966".

"He was also Commander, Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Kaduna, 1971 to 1975; General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Enugu, known then as 4th Infantry Division, Nigerian Army".

“Gen. Obada had an illustrious military career and served the nation with all his heart, with full dedication and commitment to duty", the statement read.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta, I send my deepest condolences to the Obada family, the Urhobo nation and the people of Agbarho where he hails from", the governor said.

He prayed almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

It will be recalled that, during his career, Obada acted as Chief of Air Staff (COAS) from 1970 to 1971, and was Federal Commissioner for Works and member of the Supreme Military Council.

He was the President of the Special Military Tribunal that tried and condemned Colonel Buka Dimka after the 1976 coup de-tat in which the military Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, was killed.

Obada retired from the Nigerian Army in 1977 and represented Delta State in the Federal Revenue Mobilisation, Allocations and Fiscal Commission.

At home, he was 2nd Vice-President of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Urhobo nation, and later Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Union.

Similarly, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has also commiserated with Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa, whose wife, Victoria, passed on Friday.

The deceased, 67, who hailed from Ekrerhavwen in Ughelli North Local Government Area, battled ill-health for many years before her demise.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor said that it was heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Mrs Victoria Avwomakpa, noting that her death was a huge loss not just to her family, but to the church and the society.

He said that Mrs Avwomakpa's contribution to society was laudable urged her husband, children and other family members to be consoled by the legacies she left behind.

"I learnt of the passing of Pastor (Mrs) Victoria Avwomakpa, the wife of our father and former South-South Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa.

"It is indeed heart-breaking to lose a dear one, especially a wife of 48 years.

"Although death is the way of all mortals and debt we must all pay, I am nonetheless consoled by the fact that Mrs Avwomakpa, a servant of God, lived a worthy and exemplary life".

"She was known to have impacted so many lives, especially in the church while she lived".

"On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I condole with you, our father in the Lord, on the passing of your beloved wife, Victoria.

"It is indeed a painful loss but I urge you, the church and the entire family, to take solace in the fact that hers was a life of notable accomplishments and indelible footprints".

"It is our prayer that God will grant you and the family the fortitude to bear the great loss", Okowa said.

Archbishop Avwomakpa is the General Overseer of Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church, Warri.