Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged Nigerians, particularly public office holders, to live selflessly and use their positions to improve society.
He made the call during the funeral Mass for the late Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Chief Daniel Osikheme Orbih, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, Edo State.
Speaking, Okpebholo said Orbih’s death had reminded him of life’s uncertainty and the need to make meaningful contributions to society while alive.
Recalling his previous visit to the church for Orbih’s birthday celebration, the governor said:
“This is my second time coming to this Church. The first time I came here was to come celebrate with Chief Dan Osi Orbih. I said to him, we will be coming here like this in the next eight years to celebrate your birthday but today we are here for a different purpose.
“Today, it has dawned on me that there is nothing in life, here lies in the casket the remains of Chief Dan Osi Orbih and he can’t stand up or walk anymore,” he said.
He urged public office holders to make life better for others, stressing that wealth, power and achievements could not prevent death.
“My prayer is that God Almighty will give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he said.
The governor also thanked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting Orbih’s family during the difficult period.
Wike said seeing the casket had made the reality of losing his friend and brother more painful.
“When I saw the casket, it dawned on me that truly my friend and brother is gone. There is nothing we can do but to pray to God to give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he said.
He thanked Okpebholo for supporting the family and paying his last respects to the deceased at his residence in Benin City.
Wike also dismissed suggestions of a rift between them, saying: “There is no problem between me and the governor, we are very close, we work together and we would continue to work together.”
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, urged Nigerians to reflect on the brevity of life, noting that titles, qualifications, positions and social status could not prevent death.
He called on christians to embrace truth, live meaningful and remain conscious of their responsibilities to God and humanity.
The bishop recalled that Orbih’s parents introduced him to the Catholic faith and that he was born, baptised and dedicated in the church.
“Death is what all must pay and one can’t tell God to hold on because we are busy at the moment but be prepared to answer the call at any time,” he said.
Dignitaries at the funeral included Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye; members of the state Assembly; members of the PDP National Working Committee; and members of the APC State Working Committee.
