REACTIONS have trailed the announcement of the death of Pa Arthur Okorie Okowa, father of the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa.
Governor Okowa, had on Thursday, announced the death of his father.
The governor in a press statement, disclosed that his father passed on at the age of 88.
The statement which was made available to Newsden in Asaba, reads: “my family and I regret to announce the death of our beloved father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa, who passed away earlier this morning.
“Throughout his lifetime, my father embodied and spread the principles of service to humanity, kindness even in the face of adversity, and trusting in Almighty God.
“As we celebrate the life of my late father, I thank God for the 88 wonderful years that my family and I spent with him — and the impact that God allowed him to have on everyone that he came in contact with.
“We will miss him dearly.
“With love and light, Papa, rest in peace.”
Reacting to the passage of the retired teacher, distinguished community leader and a High Chief of Owa Kingdom, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State Chapter in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, said, “Pa Okowa lived well, a teacher of teachers, and a remarkable one at that. His legacy as a teacher is well known, a veteran of no mean repute.
“He was a Godly man, a virtue he inculcated in his children, all of who today are followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. We shall miss his wisdom, good-naturedness, wise counsels, and fatherly gestures,” Dr. Osuoza stated.
To His Excellency, the Governor, the PDP Delta State said: “We share with you in this moment of grief. We urge you and the rest of the family to take heart, and be consoled that Pa Arthur Okowa has done his bit, leaving behind humongous legacies of good deeds visible enough for all to see.”
The Party prayed that God Almighty, in His mercy, will grant the family the grace and fortitude to bear this irredeemable loss.
Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to Governor Okowa, Sir Austin Onianwa said, “The death of an icon, a father to all, highly charitable, an embodiment of humour and love, Pa Arthur Okorie Okowa came to me and my family as a rude shock and devastating news.
“Chief Arthur Okorie Okowa, the father of our amiable and grassroots Governor is one in a million, like the eagle you can not find his kind in large numbers at any given time or place.
“Can you find someone ready to tell the truth boldly at anytime, anxious to have a share of your happy moments or moments of trials, lavishly charitable, committed to the well-being of the family and that of others around him, a man of sweet disposition that is quick at recognising the differences between the adult world and the world of children and youths, so much loved by all, and above all, God fearing, caring, peace-loving, highly supportive and full of integrity?
“Yes of course, you can but in rare circumstances. This is the reason why we shall miss greatly Pa Arthur Okorie Okowa; a father to all and a Christian of no mean repute.
“Our consolation always, is extensively from the realization that we can fill much of the vacuums created by his death by living lives guided by those attributes which endeared him to many.
“Your memories will forever remain ever-green in the annals of history and the chronicles of great men with adorable penchant for excellence.
“While God Almighty to grant your gentle soul eternal rest in His bosom, we pray Him to grant the Governor, his family and all those devastated by your death the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“Rest in peace Chief Arthur Okorie Okowa, until we meet to part no more. Amen.”
Chairman, Delta State School of Health Technology, Ofuoma, Dr Chris Oharisi, described the death as “passage of a great man who bequeathed to the world, an administrator and manager of human and resources of great repute.
“The passage of Pa Okowa, no doubt, is a great loss, he was a man of character and as a teacher, a disciplinarian, but, we take solace in the fact that he lived a wonderful life.
“All of us at School of Health identify with our Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa at this moment of grief, he should take heart bearing in mind that Papa was a good Christian.
“We will continue to pray for the repose of his soul; as we also pray to grant our Governor and his siblings the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in a condolence message he personally signed, said, “I write to express and convey my heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on the passing unto eternal glory of your beloved father, Chief Arthur Okorie Okowa on Wednesday 27th, January 2021.
“You could not have imagined this moment. It is painful no matter the age.
“I commiserate with the family, children and the Ika nation on the death of this Iconic figure.
“Papa excelled as a teacher’s teacher before retiring from the Teacher’ training College.
“As a teacher, Papa did not only teach the curriculum but also taught his students morals, civics, hardwork and value for self esteem.
“I remember with nostalgia Papa immense contributions to the development of the teaching profession as First Member, Post-Primary Education Board under the administration of the late Olorogun Felix Ibru.
“Papa was a father of all that came in contact with him as he never ceases to admonish for good morals.
“I enjoin you, your siblings and all that are left to mourn him to be comforted by Almighty God.”
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment in Delta State, Hon. Chika Ossai in a condolences message, said, “It is with heavy heart that I learnt of the tragic passing away of Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa, the father of Delta State Governor Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
“It is indeed a great loss but I urge you, His Excellency to take solace in the fact that he lived a life of great accomplishments.”
The Commissioner prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and grant you, the State Governor and the entire family the fortitude to bear the lost.
Managing Director, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, said, “I received with shock and sadness the passing of Pa Arthur Okowa, father of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta Delta State and patriarch of the family.
“I had a privileged relationship with Pa Okowa since coming in contact with him decades ago, during which time I tapped fatherly wisdom.
“A teacher, loving father, councilor, lover of God and adviser, Pa Okowa was a father to all who came in contact with him. I am immensely proud to call him a father because he considered me a son too. I thank God for granting him long life, even though we wished he lived longer.
“On behalf of my wife and children, I pray to Almighty God to receive the soul of our dear father in His paradise.
“I also pray for my leader, Governor Okowa, and the entire Okowa family for the fortitude and grace from the Most High to bear this painful loss.”
