The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, has described the late former military and civilian Governor of the defunct Mid-West and Bendel States, Dr Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, as a great Niger Deltan, who will be greatly missed.
He said he received with deep sadness, the news of the demise of Ogbemudia at 84.
Ekere, yesterday in Port Harcourt, noted that the deceased displayed uncommon maturity, wisdom, courage, pragmatic vision, dedication to service and unflinching commitment at a time of deep national trials.
He said: “His time still resonates in the history of Edo and Delta States, which were carved out of the old Bendel State as a time of great achievement and development.
“He leaves behind a great void that will be difficult to fill. He leaves behind a body of work, a library of vision and a roadmap of engagement with the people that cannot wholly be emulated.
“He leaves also a guiding light, by his endearing love for his people and service to humanity, which will continue to show us all the way to go. It fills us with hope that we can duly serve our people and help fulfill their dreams.”
Ekere stressed: “At the NDDC, we will continue to take a cue from his work and his example as well as comfort in his legacy to continue to work to facilitate sustainable regional development and help create the new Niger Delta of which he dreamt and contributed in no small measure to actualise.”