Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Tuesday stated that the state was plunged into mourning upon learning of the demise of the pioneer Military Administrator of the state, Rtd. Navy Captain Walter Feghabo. According to him, the passing was a colossal loss to the nation.

The governor, in a statement in Abakaliki, said that Navy Captain Feghabo will forever be remembered as a man of vision, discipline, and uncommon patriotism who laid a solid socioeconomic and political foundation for Ebonyi State in its infancy.

“When Ebonyi State was created in 1996, Captain Feghabo took up the historic responsibility of giving direction, hope, and administrative structure to a fledgling state emerging from two parent states.

“With courage, foresight, hindsight and selflessness, he nurtured the dreams of our founding fathers and set the tone for the development trajectory we are building upon today.

“His commitment to public service, his humility in leadership, and his passion for national unity stand as enduring legacies that will continue to inspire generations of Ebonyians, including me,” he said.

The governor noted that the story of the state’s progress cannot be told without acknowledging the pioneering sacrifices and statesmanship of late Captain Feghabo.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Ebonyi State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and the Nigerian Navy for the loss of this gallant officer, visionary leader, nation builder and of course, one of our grandfathers,” he said.