By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commiserated with the Okitiakpe family, Ekakpamre community, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Urhobo nation on the passing of elder statesman, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe.
Chief Okitiakpe, who hailed from Ekakpamre in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State, was a founding leader of the PDP. He died on Monday after a brief illness at the age of 86.
Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Thursday, recalled the immense contributions of the political colossus and business mogul to the political and socio-economic development of Delta State.
He said that as an industrialist, Chief Okitiakpe founded several companies that provided employment for numerous Deltans and other Nigerians, adding that the Urhobo nation would miss the tremendous contributions of the late elder statesman.
He described Okitiakpe’s passing as a “monumental loss” not just to the family, Urhobos, but all Deltans and Nigerians as a whole, adding that he impacted society positively in several ways.
According to him, the deceased was a well respected elder statesman, an illustrious Deltan, former Governorship aspirant of the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), during the late General Sani Abacha administration.
Governor Oborevwori, said: “I have just received with shock, news of the passing of one of Delta’s greatest statesmen, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, a leader of inestimable value.
“I am saddened to hear of the demise of our dear father and leader, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe. He was an influential leader with piety and empathy for the less- privileged in society.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the Ekakpamre community, the PDP and Urhobo nation over the passing of the renowned elder statesman and business icon.
“As a great and inspirational leader, Chief Okitiakpe was a man of great political depth and insight as well as a leader of leaders, who contributed immensely to the development of our state and country throughout his lifetime.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I mourn the exit of a great elder statesman, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, whose sterling contributions to the growth and development of the state and country remain an inspiration to many.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this critical time. May his gentle soul rest in peace”.
