The ancient city of Asaba, Delta State, has been thrown into mourning following the passing away of Chief Nicholas Chizea, a philanthropist and the Oshimili Atata of Asaba Kingdom.
Newsden.com.ng gathered from impeccable sources that Chief Chizea passed on after undergoing two surgeries at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
According to the sources, the eminent Asaba high chief, who was being projected to contest the chairmanship of the Oshimili South Local Government Area in next year’s council election, was diagnosed of undisclosed stomach-related ailment which required surgery.
Due to restrictions on movement resulting in the lockdown of some states and closure of international airports to contain the COVID-19, Chizea could not seek medical assistance outside the country, the dependable sources confided to newsden.com.ng.
However, a close confidant of the deceased philanthropist, Hon. Uche Uraih, described the death of the nobleman as unfortunate.
Hon Uraih, who is a social commentator and politician, said, “Death sneaked in and took away a very dear friend, brother-in-law and a true confidant. We were with him at the Federal Medical Centre, full of hope, always giving the thumbs up sign and we were confident that he would come out stronger only for him to suddenky move on to the greater beyond.
“Unfortunately, we now use ‘was’ for him; a great man who touched a lot of lives from his days in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“For now, we are interested in performing a befitting rite of passage for him, and we hope that will be soon.”
Nonetheless, among the early callers at the Asaba residence of Chief Chizea to console the wife, Nkechi, were the Omeifoma of Asaba, Chief Adaora Giwa-Amu, Ogbueshi Pascal Onuku, Mr Smart Meka, Ogbueshi Philip Nwokolo, among others.
Ogbueshi Onuku told newsden.com.ng that the passage of Chizea would remain a great loss to those who knew him.
He said, “An Iroko has fallen! Sir Chizea was not only a respected brother knight, but, a prominent chief in Asaba.
“He has contributed immensely to the growth of the society and our friends, including those who frequent Sioma Suites, will greatly miss him.
“We cannot question God and, as true Catholics, we believe that he is not dead; he has passed on for us to meet on Resurrection Day.”
Members of Knights of Saint John International (KSJI), a religious organisation which Chief Chizea was the Worthy President of one of its Commanderies, were seen offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
Last year, Chief Chizea played prominent roles as the Chairman of the maiden edition of Maris Annual Lecture series held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
