High profile dignitaries from all walks of life and various organisations both within and outside the state are expected to attend the burial rite of the late Elder Statesman and rare education hero of Ogbia Kingdom, late Chief (Hon) Engr. Iwolisi Daniel Rex-Ogbuku, to pay their last respect at his home town Ayakoro in Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa state on March 19.
NAIJA LIVE TV checks revealed that the expected mammoth crowd of people and personalities at the burial was not unconnected with the deceased enviable track records and various accomplishments towards the enhancement of human and societal development.
It would be recalled that the late Elder Statesman and hero, who died of Cardiac Arrest on September 10, last year at the age of 84, is a great man, an accomplished educationist, Engineer, administrator; a frontline politician of note and a man of proven impeccable character, and unparalleled leadership qualities who attached importance to public interest above his personal gains.
Family source said he has lived a fulfilled life, exiting the world at a ripe age of 84, but the masses have continue to mourn him describing his death as a great loss that may be difficult to fill, adding that he deserves more than a platinum honour going by his antecedents and impressive track records in all his dealings while alive.
The deceased, first and foremost, was an Elder Statesman and one of the iconic historic leaders, whose imprints and footsteps on the sand of time will remain for time immemorial.
Aside being the first ever civilian Commissioner for Electricity and Water Supply and Sole Commissioner for Brass LGA in charge of Projects Implementation, and Chairman Task Force for the distribution of hospital equipment in the Old Rivers state under Senator (Chief) Melford Obiene OKilo’s dynamic administration, among other political offices he held, the late great hero and perhaps last titans was a colossus and a friend of the poor, who gave his position as public servant all passion it deserved.
Undoubtedly, his selfless services to humanity are yet to be rivalled with many years of civil rule so far.
In fact, the deceased is a rare gem and merits to be immortalised with a state and national monument. Repose, like they say is necessary to great efforts, and he who is never idle, must not labour for vain.
The late Elder Statesman was a visionary and philanthropist as well as a resourceful role model for millions.
He lived a quintessential life of public service and was living examples as an individual engaged in strategic generosity during his life time. The late sage remains resolute in his pursuit to enhance societal development; and invested much in free education for the masses.
As an embodiment of selfless service to humanity and lover for education, the late great education hero resigned his lucrative job as an Oilfield Engineer with Shell D Arcy to actualise his ideals and philosophy of salvaging Ogbia kingdom its educationally disadvantaged state.
When asked why he decided to make this near supreme sacrifice, Engr. Rex Ogbuku responded, “In vain you build the society, if you do not build the man”. Engr. Rex Ogbuku had said when he was alive that his resigning from shell to open Government Secondary School, Ogbia Town was in line with his personal belief and philosophy that in vain you build the society, if you do not build the man. That though, it was very discomforting, he had no regret because he took that decision (to be the sacrificial lamb that will advance the Kingdom of Ogbia academically) out of love and patriotism for the people of Ogbia”. Indeed, late Chief Rex-Ogbuku’s gesture is an eloquent testimony of the love he had for the Ogbia people, worthy of emulation.
It would be recalled that Chief Melford Okilo in 1972 approved Government Secondary School (G.S.S) Ogbia Town which was established at Itokopiri with Engr. Rex Ogbuku as the pioneer principal, at a time when Ogbia Kingdom had a very few University Graduates.
It is commendable and enthusiastic to note that in a society where people are engrossed with unquenching appetite for wealth and material acquisition, the late elder statesman used his resources to uplifting the socio-economic well being of the people.
This, he also actualized the motive behind his entry into politics which was borne out of his desire to render selfless service to the people through the rare indelible achievements he has recorded in his career. Therefore, the need for all and sundry to participate actively in his burial ceremonies cannot be over-emphasised.
Sources close to Global Overseer from the family said all necessary arrangements to give the late Hero a befitting burial have been concluded.
Already, according to our source the burial arrangement as announced by the family signed by the Chief Mourner, Barrister Jude Amiditor Rex- Ogbuku said the body would leave FMC Mortuary, Otuoke for Ogbia town, to be received by the Obanobhan Ogbia III in Council and Ogbia Council of Chiefs for a brief lying in state at the Ogbia Brotherhood Hall, Ogbia Town.
Thereafter the body of the late icon would leave by boat for brief recognition stop-overs at Emadike, Epebu, Otuoekpein, Okiki, Ologi and Otuokpoti communities; escorted by Ayakoro Boat regatta, destiny undertakers, trumpeters, Agaba group, Ogele and Owu-Osaki displays.
According to our source at 4pm the Body would arrives his home town Ayakoro to lie in state at his compound to be followed by all night Christian and traditional wake, to be supplied by Amangi musical band/Pere Ama Freetown Dance Band.
Our source added that he would be finally buried on Saturday’s morning, March 20th after commendation service.
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