The remains of Chief Ignatius Erigbuem, a business Mogul, has been laid to rest at his family compound in Owa-Alero Community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The funeral service which held at the Saint Michael’s Anglican Church, Owa-Alero, attracted dignitaries from all walks of life.
In a sermon titled; “The day of death”, the bishop of Ika Diocese, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Godfrey Ekpenisi, described the late Chief Erigbuem as a man of great impact who made so much contributions to the growth and development of his community and Ika nation.
Bishop Ekpenisi said the contributions of Chief Erigbuem to humanity would be remembered by generations to come and urged the living to prepare for the day of death bearing in mind that no one knew the hour it would come.
He advised Christians to create ripples of kindness by investing in the lives of others.
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the funeral service, said the late Erigbuem was a philanthropist that made outstanding contributions to humanity.
The governor urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of service, kindness and impact which the deceased epitomised.
He said life was not about duration but donation pointing out that the only way to leave a lasting legacy was to contribute meaningfully to the well being of others.
Commiserating with the Erigbuem family, the governor charged them to uphold his legacies, as that was a sure way to immortalize him.
“Today we have not come to mourn, but to celebrate a good leader; our late father, Chief Ignatius Erigbuem. He was a phenomenon, a great father, an outstanding businessman and philanthropist who impacted so many lives.
“All what the Bishop said about our late father is true and like I will always say, the people you are able to impact matters a lot in life and I am convinced that Chief Erigbuem lived a very good life.
“If we all have the kind heart and goodness that Chief Erigbuem had, life will be a better place for mankind and as politicians we must live a life to be remembered for.
“Today we are here because Chief Erigbuem impacted many lives and I urge us all to keep doing good and the Lord will bless us.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Erigbuem family on the passing of a great father and leader.
“I enjoin the entire family to uphold the legacy and life of great impact in which our father was known and celebrated for.
“Our father lived a life worthy of emulation and we thank you for coming in large numbers to celebrate the life and times of our great leader and father, Chief Ignatius Erigbuem,” Governor Oborevwori said.
The State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife Dame Edith, immediate past state deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, member House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Amb. Godson Echegile, Hon. Nduka Irabor, were among dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Aged 88, the late Chief Ignatius Erigbuem died on Wednesday, June 7 2023
He is survived by his wife, Dame Faith Erigbuem, 9 Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and other family members.
NIM