Osinbajo urges Nigerian leaders to leave lasting legacy

The burial ceremony of father of Delta State Governor, Pa Arthur Okowa, at the weekend, attended by eminent Nigerians, provided an opportunity for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to remind Nigerian leaders that power is transient, and they should therefore serve the country and citizens meritoriously, while in office.

“There is no guarantee that material wealth can last a generation, but a legacy of character and faith in God lasts forever,” he said.

Osinbajo spoke, yesterday, at St Michael’s Anglican Church, Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta at the thanksgiving service marking the celebration of life of Pa Okowa.

He eulogised the late Pa Okowa as an outstanding teacher, pioneer educationist and committed public servant.

He noted that the story of educational development of many communities in Delta and Edo states could not be told without the mention of Pa Okowa.

He said: “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children. And there was no doubt that Pa Okowa left an inheritance for his children’s children, his community and the state.

“I am honoured to join so many from all over the country and the rest of the world to celebrate the life and times of an outstanding pioneer educationist and a committed public servant, Pa Arthur Okowa.

“He was also a great politician with the United Party of Nigeria (UPN) under the leadership of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“The nation and the state benefitted and still benefit from the contributions of Pa Okowa with his son becoming Governor of Delta.

“The Owa-Alero community, Delta and Nigeria have been blessed with the life and times of Pa Arthur Okowa.”

Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba in a sermon titled: “Seek ye the Lord with the prevailing faith,” said the faith that prevails is the one that is anchored in the name of God. 

The Primate said the late Pa Okowa left a great legacy as an astute teacher and community leader, and urged his children to work hard in preserving the legacy left behind by their great patriarch. 

Urging Christians to repent from their evil ways, as there is no repentance in death, he noted that sin, sickness, lust, death and judgment were the lonely roads Christians must pass through in the course of life. He urged them to remain strong in faith because God will be with those that are in faith.