The Chairman, Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor has described the deaths of Dr. George Idodo-Umeh and Chief Gregory Akpojene as a great national loss to the people of Isoko, Deltans and Nigerians in general.
Egbabor said this on Saturday at Olomoro and Otor-Igho when he led top officials of the Council on a condolence visit to the Idodo-Umeh and Akpojene families.
He described the late Idodo-Umeh as an accomplished educationist and role model, who passed on at the age of 80 years.
Egbabor said the late Idodo-Umeh was a role model in education not just to the Isoko people but to the people Edo and Delta states where he served as a Commissioner for Urban, Rural Integrated Development and Housing, in defunct Bendel State, from 1980 to1982 and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1982 to1983.
“Dr Idodo-Umeh was a role model to all in education and agriculture. While growing up we all looked up to him for his giant strides in education.
“We have lost an elder statesman, visionary leader and trail blazer.
“I have come here to condole with you and the entire family over the passing of our beloved father and leader.
“It is my prayer that God will strengthen you, the children and the entire family in this trying times.” Egbabor said
Responding, wife of the deceased, Deaconess Dora Idodo-Umeh thanked the Chairman for the visit saying it was a soothing relief to welcome him and his entourage in their time of grief.
The Chairman and his entourage were also at Otor-Igho to condole with the Akpojene family where he described his death as a huge blow to the growth and development of agriculture in Nigeria.
He said Akpojene contributed immensely to the development of Isoko Nation during his tenure as Chairman of Defunct Isoko Local Government Council and as former President General of Isoko Development Union.
He was received by son of the deceased, Mr Lugard Akpojene who thanked the Chairman for identifying with them at their time of grief.
