Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their condolences and show of love on the passing of his father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.

The governor, in a statement he personally signed, thanked all those who came to condole with him and those who called or sent messages of condolences to him and his siblings.

He announced that because of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the family had resolved to hold a private burial for their late patriarch sometime in February, 2021, adding that a “celebration of life’’ would be held in his honour in August, 2021, subject to the slowing down of the pandemic.

According to Okowa, in view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, we have opted to hold a private burial ceremony sometime this month, while a Celebration of Life event will take place on August 21, 2021.

“Hopefully, by then the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic would have given way to a freer and more assured environment,’’ he stated.

He described his late father as a “huge pillar of support”, and said that he would miss his wise counsel.

“On behalf of the Okowa family of Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area, I wish to thank all who have taken time to commiserate with us on the death of my beloved father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.

“Ever since the news of his demise, our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill from a wide spectrum of political, business, religious leaders as well as the mass of Nigerians.

“My siblings and I are deeply grateful for the show of solidarity, which have, in no small measure, helped us to cope with Papa’s passing.

“Although he died at what may be considered a good old age, the death of someone so dear cannot but leave one with a sense of void.

“My late father was a strong pillar of support all through my political/public service career.

“I drew immeasurably from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and he was very passionate about the growth and development of our beloved Delta State.

“As a family, we will greatly miss his physical fellowship but we thank God that he lived a good and full life; he has etched his name in gold with his legacy of hard work, selfless service, discipline, godliness, love for others/community, and passion for positive, lasting change,” he said.

“Once again, I thank all those who have called, visited, prayed for us and issued statements in solidarity with our family. May God richly bless you,” the governor added.