Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors of Kogi and Benue states, Yahaya Bello and Sam Ortom respectively; Minister for Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige were among dignitaries who attended the funeral of the late minister for Labour and Employment, Barr. James Ocholi (SAN).
Ocholi was committed to mother earth at about 2:30 pm at his country home in Abocho, Dekina Local Government area of Kogi State amidst tears from family members, villagers, political associates and other sympathisers.
Speaking at the Church service conducted at the Local Government primary School open field, Abocho, Vice President Osinbajo described Ocholi’s death as heart-rending, coupled with the passage of his wife, Blessing and son, Joshua in the same fatal accident.
He however eulogised the late minister for his uprightness in dealing with issues.
“In the late James Ocholi, Nigeria has lost a true patriot. He was one who we all respected, not just for his personal integrity but also for his humility. His contribution to bringing about what today is the Federal Government of Nigeria was truly significant and so was his zeal for service as a minister these few months.
“He was someone I held in very high esteem. Personally, I have lost not just a friend but also a brother – a brother in the faith and a Minister of God, a brother in the public service. I know that his legacy, his life speaks for itself and we are all enriched and ennobled by the fact that we met him, shared our common hopes for our nation with him and served with him”.
The state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on his own, described the late Ocholi as a brother and friend. He eulogised him for his greatness and quest for the unity of the state which he said was always paramount.
He said: “My dear people, without doubt, this is one harvest of death too many for Kogi State. We have again lost an illustrious son, a loving wife, and another youthful prospect in the most horrible circumstance possible. Today, after barely any respite from a similar sorrow in the recent past, Kogi State mourns again, greatly.
“James was a brother, a true Christian too. Though we battled for our party’s ticket, and passions often ran wild, it was without bitterness. When James was made a minister while some of us were still in the trenches, he remained gracious. When I emerged Governor, he immediately gave me the highest cooperation.
“One thing was of paramount importance to James Ocholi – the greatness and Unity of Kogi State”.
One of the sons of the late minister, Aaron, the first born, said though the exit of his parents and brother, Joshua was painful, he will carry on their struggle in the manner his late father did.
In his sermon, Rev. John Ibenu described death as the end of every mortal. He urged the family, political class and friends not to mourn but to imbibe the selfless and exemplary lifestyle of the late minister.
We’re with you – Saraki tells Ocholi’s children, family
Senate President Bukola Saraki has assured the immediate family of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Chief James Ocholi, his wife and eldest son of his full support.
Senator Saraki, who noted that the uprightness and good works of the late minister will continue to speak in favour of the family in particular and the government and people of Kogi State in general, however, urged the family not to see the burial as the end of the road, “seeing that the late Ocholi had sufficiently immortalized himself through his courageous and exemplary lifestyle during his brief sojourn on this earthly plane.”
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja said that he was yet to recover from the shock resulting from the loss of such a great Nigerian and one of the leaders of the North Central, adding, “Ocholi’s life, though brief, was dedicated to the service of God and humanity. This single realization ought to cheer us rather than make us shed tears over his sudden transition to the great beyond.
“Yes, it is difficult not to give way to emotions in circumstances of this nature, but his godly qualities give us hope – hope that should mitigate our anguish. It is painful that he left us when his services were most needed, but we are comforted that he had proved his mettle as a legal luminary and politician to the satisfaction of all,” Saraki stated.
While praying God to grant the souls of the departed eternal life, he assured his children of his support always.
-Vanguard
