–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
THE Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with the family of Rt. Revd. Jonathan Francis Edewor, just as both political and prominent leaders of Isoko nation eulogized his demise at Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
The Governor in a condolence message through the son, Revd. Prof. Uyoyou Nelson Edewor, described the death of late Bishop Edewor as a huge vacuum in the family.
Okowa said, “I share in your grief and pain but as the scriptures admonished us, we are not to mourn as those who have no hope, as a people of faith, we cannot but come to the inescapable conclusion that your father has run his race, finished his course, and now resting in the bosom of the Lord”.
The Governor maintained that, the “late reverend gentleman left indelible footprints not just in the vineyard of the Lord, but also in the teaching profession and the public service”, noting that Edewor was the “poineer chairman of the Nigeria Union Teachers, member, state implementation committee on the War Against Indiscipline and Corruption, and Chairman of the Committee on Handover of Mission Schools in Delta State”.
Okowa further stated that “posterity will remember him as a fine teacher and diligent public servant whose primary purpose was to leave a lagecy of faith, discipline, godly character, and a life dedicated to the service of God”.
Speaking to newsmen on the lagecy of late Edewor, were the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Chief Ebeneza Okorodudu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, the Director General, Warri/Uvwie Development Agency, Comrade Ovuozorie Marculay and Venerable Robert Oziwele, Diocesan Public Relations Officer Clerical, who described Edewor as a man with godly character.
“The lagecy is history that is worth emulating. The late Bishop mentored many people and was honored by His Grace, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, represented by the Archbishop of Benin province Most Revd. Cyril Odutemu”.
“He lived a life full of joy and at the time of passing on, he was celebrated as an octogenarian and his leadership quality was second to none. He was the first chairman of N.U.T in Delta State and a mentor that we can follow religiously”.
“He lived examplary life of Christ and the way of salvation and was among the first scholar, and disciplinarian. He was a good man and poineer Bishop of the Diocese of Oleh, Anglican Communion”.
“Late Bishop Edewor was a comrade bishop as he was among those that formed Nigeria Labour Congress. He guided the labour union and was an activist, N.L.C chairman and held many positions in the national level” they said.
Earlier in a short exhortation, the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel, His Grace Most Revd. Cyril Odutemu admonished Christians to worship God and not mamon, noting that preaching prosperity instead of salvation is wrong.
He stated that preparation for eternity has limit and that man can only be redeemed if found faithful before God, adding that “it is appointed unto a man to die, thereafter is judgement”.
The funeral service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral Oleh, Isoko South local government area, and coordinated by Rt. Revd. John U. Aruakpor, Bishop Oleh Diocese, was attended by the member representing Isoko South Constituency 1 and 2 Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Kenneth Ogba and Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Evang. Solomon Ogba, Sir. Itiako Ikpokpo and Senator Stella Omu.
Others are Archbishop Gimbright Adaigho and Most Revd. G. Onibere, Rt. Revd. Edafe Emamezi, clergymen from Anglican Communion and other denominations, members of the knights and many other people from all walks of life.
