A former Senator representing Cross River North at the National Assembly, Senator Stephen Odey, Friday, committed the remains of his 102-year-old father, Late Pa Odey Mboh, to mother earth in Cross River State.
Late Pa Odey was a native of Alifokpa Community, Yachie village in Yala LGA of Cross River State, who until his death, was a retired farmer known for the cultivation and harvesting of large tonnes of rice and yams in commercial quantities.
In his homily at the funeral service, which took place at the Mater Ecclesiae Parish, Alifokpa Yache, Rev. Father Ogwu Denis Ejikepang urged the deceased’s family not to weep but give praise to the Lord, whom Pa Odey had gone to be with.
In his message of condolence, Cross River State governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and wife Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Bassey, described Late Chief Odey Mboh as a good man that has left legacies for children to follow.
“This is evident from the testimonies of people who were touched by his generosity and commitment to the growth and development of his community,” the governor stated.
Otu stressed that the memory of a good man is a blessing and tasked those he left behind to be consoled by the fact that Late Chief Mboh left a good example for all must strive to emulate.
The State’s chief executive urged the family to be encouraged by the fact that he lived a highly exemplary life of service to God and humanity.
Also speaking, the immediate-past governor of the State, Prof. Ben Ayade, averred that he knew Senator Odey was saddened and depressed to lose a dear father and he shared in his pains and fright.
“Learn to live with the loss because death is inevitable for all mortals,” Ayade counselled.
He added: “I am indeed gladdened that your father lived a quality life and exited at the ripe age of 102.
“This rare longevity is reserved for only a few in this generation we are and I join you and your entire family in thanking God for his life having lived up to this ripe age.”
Another former governor of the State in the aborted Third Republic, Clement Ebri, said “His (Chief Odey Mboh’s) remarkable journey spanning an impressive 102 years bears an eloquent testimony of his fortitude, resilience and the profound impact he has had in those around him.
“There is no iota of doubt in my mind that his rich legacy will ensure as an inspiration for generations to come.”
Similarly, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said Late Chief Odey Mboh lived a good life as a father and devoted Christian.
In his remarks, Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Cleopas Zuwoghe, averred that Odey’s father was a great man of peace and humility personified.
The Bayelsa lawmaker maintained that listening to chronicles of his life can make one shed tears, adding that the privileged knowledge of his final destination in the heaven gave him a great cause to celebrate his life and not mourn his death.
In his remarks, Senator representing Cross River South senatorial district, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, stated that Late Chief Odey Mboh’s memory and legacies will forever be cherished and remain evergreen.
Also, Nigeria’s constitutional lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN, described Pa Odey Mboh as a man, who died at a ripe old age, stressing that the gathering at the funeral wasn’t to celebrate death but to celebrate life.
“Because he was a man of peace, we celebrate peace. Because he gave his people hope, we celebrate hope and love,” Agabi stated.
Others, who paid tributes to the departed centenarian included national women leader of the APC, Dr. Betta Edu, State APC party chairman, Alphonsus Eba, Senator Nicolas Tofowomo, and many others present.
