Tribute
Glowing tributes pour in for late Ojuogboh from Sherriff, eminent Nigerians
A former Governor of Borno State Senator Modu Sheriff on Sunday evening described late Cairo Ojuogboh as the most unique and dependable among all his friend.
Sheriff who Spoke at an evening of Tribute to celebrate the life and legacies of Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh.
Ojuogboh, a former member of the House of Representatives slumbed and died on Feb. 8, while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa.
Sheriff, the Chairman of the Organising Committee said: ”Im still shocked that Ojuogboh is no more. If there was a perfect gentleman I met in the course of my life is Ojuogboh.
“He called me, ‘my chairman, I am going to watch the football match. I told him I was already in my sitting room after clearing every where to avoid distraction, so that I can watch Nigeria semi final against South Africa.
“Nearly one and half hours later I got a call that Dr. Ojuogboh is dead. I told the person, he must be crazy, I just spoke to Cairo now, he gave me the rundown of his itinerary for the day, what he did, where he went and he retired for the football match
“If there is a perfect gentleman, I have met in the course of my life, one person that you can trust, this is a gent that you can rely on is Dr. Cairo. If I am in Abuja, the first person that I will see and the last person is Cairo
“This is a gentleman that I met in the course of my political career and he gave me the insight of the other side of Nigeria
“I have met a lot of people from all works of life, all my life in Lagos before I went back to Borno in 1992, in the senate and on and on, in the constitutional conference, I have met all kinds of people from all works of life but I have never met a human being that make me feel so free to talk with like Cairo.
“If the circumstances we met would have been the parameter he would not have been my friend in life. “The first day we discussed frankly was in the House of former Governor of Delta State Seriake Dickson in Bayelsa and that was my first time in Bayelsa.
“We had a disagreement and I don’t carry anybody on my mind to bed with anger. If I have anything against you I will tell you there and then and I will forget about it. I told him, he apppologused to me and from that day we became the best of friends.
“I know he has left a lot of children, young and old but I want to assure all of you that I will be there for you anytime you call upon me. He is one person that I will not forget, he is one person that I will remember all the time.
“Honestly and sincerely because I am a Muslim and the Holy Koran says Allah gives you life and Allah takes, you have no right to question. Otherwise one would have question why, but one would have offended God.
“He was one person I will not forget; he was one person I will remember all the time. He lived a good life worth emulating.”
On the circumstance that led to the death of Ojuogboh, Sheriff said that it showed that the deceased was a true Nigerian, a nationalist.
Sheriff called on leaders to be more patriotic saying that patriotism is what would keep the country together.
“We have to believe in and be proud of our country,” he said.
Chairman of the Occasion, a former Gov.of Akwa-Ibom, Victor Attah, prayed God to comfort the family of the deceased.
He said: “God that provided you this husband, father and uncle, will continue to provide for you. God will comfort you; God will give you the strength to bear the loss.”
Elderstateman and Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, who spoke virtually, said that he had known Ojuogboh for a long time and was like a son to him.
“He was very dedicated and faithful. Ojuogboh was very dear to me. Ojuogboh played a leading role during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
“We have lost a fantastic young man. We pray God to accept him and pray God to take care of the family he left behind.”
Also speaking, a former senator, Sen. Dino Melaye described the deceased as detribalised, very civil, principled and sociable.
“His relationship cut across political divide because Ojuogboh was one of the very few APC people that will have something to do and I will attend.
Similarly, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) said the deceased was a friend of all across party divide, a man for all and a very sociable and amiable person.
“To the family of our departed brother, you have every reason to be proud because he made good impact in the lives of many people.”
On his part, Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) said that Ojuogboh was a very loyal man and faithful to friendship.
“He did his best within his short sojourn on earth. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Also speaking, Justice Mabel Segun-Bello, a Judge of the Federal High Court, while giving a charge on legacy said that the late Ojuogboh was an accomplished person and was truly legacy conscious.
She said that legacy was a footprint that an individual leaves on earth after he or she is gone.
“At a point, he was involved in reconciliation and harmonisation activities. That is one of the legacies he left behind.
“Let his legacy be a prompter unto us to leave better legacy, legacies that will impact people of now and years to come.”
For Ojuogboh’s wife, Ruth, she said “I’m still in disbelief this is even happening and I struggle to find the words for the depth of loss that I feel.
“I find solace in the words of Ecclesiastes chapter three verses one and two…it reminds us that there is a time for everything. A time to be born and a time to die.”
She said: “My beloved husband lived a life marked by love, strength and unwavering faith. He was indeed a warrior who faced life challenges with courage and resilience.
“Though we mourn his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he now rests in eternal peace.”
The late Ojuogboh was born on Sept. 8, 1959 in Agbor, Delta. Through out his illustrious career, Ojuogboh served in various political capacities, including Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) further underscored his commitment to his principles and the advancement of his ideals.
Ojuogboh also played pivotal roles in the National Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives.
The Senator representing Kogi Central in the national Assembly Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed deep grieve over the passing of Alhaji Siyaka Yakubu, a veteran chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, whose life and legacy have left a profound impact on the political landscape of Kogi Central.
Alhaji Yakubu, a foundational member of the PDP in Okehi Local Government Area, dedicated his life to the party’s growth and ideals, serving with loyalty and dedication from the party’s inception in 1999 until his passing at the age of 97.
His decades of commitment and passion have been described as an invaluable asset to the PDP both in Kogi Central and across the state.
In her tribute, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan lauded Alhaji Yakubu’s enduring dedication to the PDP’s vision, noting that his passing represents a significant loss for the party.
“Alhaji Yakubu’s commitment to the PDP was unwavering, and his life serves as an inspiring example of dedication to public service,” she said.
The senator extended her heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Yakubu’s family and the entire PDP community in Kogi, urging them to find solace in his lasting legacy and contributions to the party.
“While we mourn this great loss, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose and integrity. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our efforts to build a better future for Kogi and for Nigeria.”
Alhaji Yakubu’s passing has left a deep void within the PDP ranks, as leaders and members remember him for his wisdom, resilience, and lifetime of service.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos at age 56 after a brief illness.
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, had a distinguished military career spanning over three decades. Appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, he was respected for his leadership and commitment to national security.
His career began in 1987 when he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy. By 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja held several key positions, including roles as platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He led numerous operations critical to Nigeria’s internal security, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, all of which reinforced his reputation as a dedicated military leader.
In addition to his field achievements, Lt. General Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, an accomplishment that underscored his commitment to advancing his strategic and leadership skills.
He leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the family, acknowledging Lt. General Lagbaja’s significant contributions to the Armed Forces and Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said,
“The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and prays for the peaceful repose of Lt. General Lagbaja’s soul, honoring his legacy of service to Nigeria.”
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has expressed his condolences to three prominent Nigerians grieving the loss of their children.
In a message posted on his X handle, Obi extended his sympathies to former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, who lost his son Faisal, NNPC Limited CEO Mele Kolo Kyari, who mourns his daughter Fatima, and former Plateau State Deputy Governor Dame Pauline Tallen, who lost her only son, Richard Adamu Tallen.
Obi emphasized the profound pain of losing children with bright futures, noting the significant void their deaths create in their families.
He offered prayers for forgiveness and peace for the deceased, urging for divine protection and blessings upon the Makarfi, Kyari, and Tallen families.
Obi’s condolence messages read, “On behalf of my family, I condole with my dear elder brother and Former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, on the loss of his son, Faisal Makarfi.
“I also condole with my dear younger brother, Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, on the death of his daughter, Fatima Kyari.
“My heartfelt condolences go to all of them, including my dear elder sister Dame Pauline Tallen, whom I visited last week on the death of her only son, Richard Adamu Tallen.
“One can only imagine the pain of losing children with very promising future at such young age.
“The vacuum created by their death will surely be felt in all the families, but we can only accept the painful incidents as the will of the Almighty, who alone has the power of life.
“May God Almighty, who called them home at this time, forgive their sins and grant them Aljanna Firdausi. May God continue to protect and bless the Makarfi, Kyari, and the Tallen families, always. -PO”
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