More Nigerians mourn Okumagba

EMINENT Nigerians and group are still mourning the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and a former two-term President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide (1999-2007), Chief Benjamin Okumagba, who passed on recently at 83.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan commiserated with the entire Okumagba family on the passing on of their patriarch.

Jonathan recalled Okumagba’s efforts as a foremost campaigner and champion of Urhobo rights, noting that he was, in addition, a nationalist who believed in the unity of Nigeria and used his personal resources to wage a relentless battle for justice and fair play among the various ethnic nationalities.

Jonathan added that Okumagba, a businessman and a trained nurse, lived a pious and healthy life worthy of emulation.

In a condolence message, Uduaghan said it was a great loss because his advice and counsel was needed most at this time.

He described the deceased was a great industrialist, philanthropist and ideal political leader.

The Isoko Development Union (IDU), in a statement by its Secretary-General Julius Malam-Obi, said Okumagba was a patriotic Nigerian who strove to build bridges across different ethnic and religious divides.

Also in a statement from Holland where he is on a European tour of its zones, the Head (Worldwide) of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, Bemigho Eyeoyibo, said Okumagba would be remembered for his outspokenness and quest for justice who stood for African culture and development.