By Ozioruva Aliu
THE governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole were among the prominent politicians present when the remains of former Vice Chairman South -South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Daniel Orbih, were on Saturday laid to rest in his home town, Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area.
Speaking at the funeral service held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona, Governor Okpebholo tasked Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to live selfless and sacrificial lives and use their positions to make society a better place for all.
The governor, in an emotional voice, said the death of Orbih had reminded him of the uncertainty of life and the need for people to make meaningful contributions to society while they are alive.
He recalled that his first visit to the church was to celebrate Orbih’s birthday and expressed sadness that he had returned to the same venue to attend his funeral.
“This is my second time coming to this Church. The first time I came here was to come celebrate with Chief Dan Osi Orbih. I said to him, we will be coming here like this in the next eight years to celebrate your birthday but today we are here for a different purpose.
“Today, it has dawned on me that there is nothing in life; here lies in the casket the remains of Chief Dan Osi Orbih and he can’t stand up or walk anymore,” he said.
Wike, in his remarks, said the funeral activities had reinforced the reality of death and the pain of losing a close friend.
“When I saw the casket, it dawned on me that truly my friend and brother is gone. There is nothing we can do but to pray to God to give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he said.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, urged the congregation and Nigerians to reflect on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Dunia said titles, academic qualifications, positions, social status and personal achievements could not prevent death when the time came.
He called on the faithful to follow the path of truth and light, stressing the importance of living meaningful lives and remaining conscious of their responsibilities to God and humanity.
“Death is what all must pay and one can tell God to hold on because we are busy at the moment but be prepared to answer the call at any time,” he said.
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