Ogbemudia, a great Niger Deltan has departed

MANAGING Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Nsima Ekere, has described the death of Dr Samuel Ogbemudia as the passage of a great Niger Deltan.
He said this in a statement made available to Tribune Online, adding that the deceased made a remarkable positive impact at ensuring national peace and stability at a relatively young age.
“Dr Ogbemudia was called upon to serve as military governor of the old Midwest State in 1967 at only 35 years and displayed, throughout his tenure, an uncommon maturity, wisdom, courage, pragmatic vision, dedication to service.
“He also demonstrated an unflinching commitment to the Nigerian nation at a time of deep national trials. He helped steer Nigeria to peace and a time of prosperity.
“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 and the Niger Delta region, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, will miss the acuity of his vision, the strength of his commitment, the nobility of his loyalty and the beauty of his humanity.
“He leaves behind a great void that would 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.
“But 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 fulfil their dreams.
“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,” he said.