Tributes, celebrations as C’River’s  Sen Odey  inters his centenarian father

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

Former Senator representing Cross River North in the National Assembly has committed his 102 years-old- father, late Chief Odey Mboh to mother earth.

Late Chief Mboh ,a  retired farmer, was famous for cultivating and harvesting tonnages of yams and rice.

His funeral and merorial service took place over the weekend and was conducted by Rev. Fr. Ogwu Denis Ejikekpang, the parish priest of Mater Ecclesiae Parish, Alifokpa Yache.

Several dignitaries who paid tributes to  Mboh included Cross River State Governor ,Senator Bassey Otu, some of his predecessors, senators, All Progressives Congress chieftains among others.

In his tribute,  Governor  Otu described late  Mboh as a good man.

In his words, “This is evident from the testimonies of people who were touched by his generosity and commitment to the growth and development of his community.”

Gov Otu added that the memory of a good man is a blessing and tasked those he left behind to be consoled by the fact that late  Mboh left a good example all must strive to emulate.

Similarly,  Rev. Eyoanwan Itam Bassey Otu, wife of the  governor  said late  Mboh will be remembered for his dedication, commitment, great sense of mission, conscience and dignity with which he discharged his duties as a village head and community leader.

She urged the family to be encouraged by the fact that he lived a highly exemplary life of service to God and humanity.

Deputy Governor, Peter Odey prayed that Senator Odey will find solace in the beautiful memories late  Mboh created during his lifetime, remember the love, wisdom and guidance that he provided to you and the siblings, and honour his legacies by holding on to the values he held dear.

Prof Ben Ayade, the immediate past governor of the state  said he knew Senator Odey  is saddened and depressed to lose a dear father and he shares in his pains and fried.

He however advised him to “learn to live with the loss because death is inevitable for all mortals.

“I am indeed gladdened that your father lived a quality life and exited at the ripe age of 102.

“This rare longevity is reserved for only a few in this generation we are and I join you and your entire family in thanking God for his life having lived up to this ripe age”, the former governor said.

On his part, a former governor of the state Clement Ebri  said “His (Chief Odey Mboh’s) remarkable journey spanning an impressive 102 years bears an eloquent testimony of his fortitude, resilience and the profound impact he has had in those around him.

“There is no iota of doubt in my mind that his rich legacy will ensure an inspiration for generations to come.”

Similarly, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said late  Mboh lived a good life as a father and devoted Christian.

He stressed that his death is a celebration of life and that his legacy while alive will stand as a memorial.

On his part, Senator Cleopas Zuwoghe, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs from Bayelsa Central Senatorial district said baba was a great man of peace and humility personified.

He said listening to his chronicles can make us cry but the privileged knowledge of his final destination in the heaven above gives him a great cause to celebrate his life and not mourn his death.

Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing the southern Senatorial district n his part said late Mboh’s memory and legacies will forever be cherished and remain evergreen.

Legal luminary, Kanu Agabi, said at his ripe old age,” we gather at his funeral not to celebrate death but to celebrate life.

“Because he was a man of peace, we celebrate peace. because he gave his people hope, we celebrate hope and love.”

Others who paid tributes to the departed centenarian include national women leader of the APC Dr. Betta Edu, State APC  Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, Senator Nicolas Tofowomo, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Senator Odey expressed gratitude to God for giving the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

He also acknowledged all the heartwarming messages received by the family from friends and well-wishers across the country.

Late  Mboh got married to six wives,  with 30 children, 99 grand-children and 44 great-grandchildren.