Family members , Colleagues, friends, well wishers, top government officials ,Captains of Industries, Clergymen, traditional rulers, people from all walks of life, Tuesday night, gathered at Amadeo event Centre,Enugu for a night of tribute organized in honour of the late former Senator representing Enugu North senatorial zone,Distinguished senator , Ayogu Eze.
In his tribute, Enugu state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah said he was devastated when the news of the death of the former Senator was brought to him. The Governor described the death of Ayogu as an irreparable loss for the state.
Pix: Sen. Ayogu Eze
He said Ayogu was his former Colleague, friend and brother. Governor Mbah said they served under the same Government . He condoled the family of the late Senator and prayed God to accept his soul in his blossom. The Governor also prayed God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss. He urged them, especially his wife, Dr. (Mrs )Nkechi Ayogu Eze, to be proud of their late father, who according to him, fought a good fight.
Pix- Ayogu family
Governor Mbah said Senator Ayogu Eze was devoted to public service coupled with his simplicity and respect for those who have encountered him regardless of their social status.
He added that the late Senator’s commitment to the common good and his pursuit of excellence can never be questioned. He said Senator Eze touched many lives before his sudden demise.
In his tribute, the Former Governor of Old Anambra state ,Senator Jim Nwobodo, described Senator Eze as a man of integrity, who kept to his words. “Ayogu Eze was a very straight man, very accommodating” . He prayed for the repose of Ayogu.
Pix- From L-R: SSG ,Prof Onyia, Speaker Rt. Hon. Ugwu, Deputy Gov. Ifeanyi Ossai, Gov Mbah,Sen Jim Nwobodo , His wife: Dr. Mrs Patricia Nwobodo, Sen. Egba
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Enugu state, Ifeanyi Ossai said Ayogu was a friend, a man of many parts, very generous, courageous, audacious.His sense of humor was next to none. “We thank God for Ayogu’s humility that so many people did not know,” he said.
Senator representing Enugu North senatorial zone, Okey Ezea said Ayogu was a real man, very intelligent. He prayed God to grant his soul rest and to protect his family.
Others who spoke at the event were Vin Martin Ilo, Bishop Deborah Macfoil, Justice Ada Obayi, Martine Oke, Senator Ndoma Egba , Robert Awuna, Capt. Ever Nnaji( Rtd.) Ayogu’s daughter, Mrs LotaChukwu Bamiboye, all spoke on their relationship with Ayogu. They described him as a man who believed in himself and what he can offer to Enugu state and Nigeria. A man who stood for what he believed in.
The event was preceded with short service celebrated by Rev Fr Dr. Emeka Ngwuoke. In his homily, the Priest reminded Christians that Jesus Christ died to grant them salvation.. He urged them not to loose faith in God, saying, “presence of Jesus will save us from human condition. So, we must live in a way that every moment matters in our lives. We die because we are human just as Jesus suffered death. Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life those who believe in me will never die,” he said.
Pix- Rev Fr (Dr) Ngwuoke (R ) SSA, Mainstream media, Dan Nwomeh( m)
The Priest explained that Christians are subject to limitations , noting that Jesus was scourged and he never lost hope. “He prayed to His father to forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing. Jesus will continue to make excuses for us . If we repent of our sins, he will forgive us and grant us salvation, Rev Fr Ngwuoke said.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama