Burial activities are normally one where emotions run high and evokes sympathy/empathy. But the final home call of Mr Richard Ogero Ayovuata, father of Ambassador Courage Uyoyou, founder of Courageous Girls, Women and Children Initiative (CGECI) was with a difference.
In all the eulogies, one thing was common and consistent, which was his high moral standards, integrity, discipline and honesty.
Late Richard Ogero Ayovuata was variously described by wellwisher who thronged the burial ceremony as a man who frowned at corruption and bribery and doesn’t tolerate people indulging in such around him.
Friday, December, 2023 will no doubt remain indelible among family members and Igbide community, Isoko South LGA of the Delta state.
Notable personalities including members of the Environmental Health Officers Association (EHOA), Emore Grammar School 1980 class, NULGE, Civil Society Organisations, among many others graced the funeral ceremony to pay their last respect to Mr Richard Ogero Ayovuata.
Among other notable personalities that graced the burial include His classmates and colleagues at School of Health Technology, Benin City, the class ’87 among others, and they described Richard Ogero Ayovuata as a man who would be remembered for the unique roles he played while they were together as students at Heteco, Benin City.
One of them said; ” Your sterling leadership qualities were noticed very early in your life. No wonder, you emerged as the First Speaker of our parliament. You also became the President of our Student Union Government. Two organs you used powerfully to effect positive changes in the administration of the school, that we cannot forget forever.
Your working years were characterized with a great desire to add value, full of hard work, humility, loyalty, commitment and diligence in all the assignments given to you.
“Ivwirhi- You are the smoke that can not be stopped. You demonstrated this by penetrating through all challenges that came your way in life, notably when you became the first NULGE Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Effurun.
Ikpugbu- Is an unconquering soldier, no wonder you emerged a General in your field.”
The funeral service, which was conducted by the Jehovah Witnesses, was also attended by dignitaries and officials of the Delta State House of Assembly, the Executive Council, Professional Associations, and various other groups.
In his remarks, one of his sons, Mr Churchill Othuke Ayovuata, the Member Steering Committee Delta State, OGP, described his father as a loving and kind-hearted man full of integrity, discipline, honesty and loyalty who left behind indelible footprints on the sands of time.
He thanked friends, relatives and well wishers for coming to identify with the family during their moment of grief.
The ceremony attracted the crème de la crème of the Nigerian society which trooped out in large numbers to honour a man who taught them to live for the good of others and expend their wealth for the sake of humanity. Richard Ogero Ayovuata would no doubt turn in his grave in appreciation of the honourable funeral he received from his loved ones.
Relatives and friends also came together to pay their final respect . Some of the people present include his Cousin, Mrs Basiru Habibat Oghale (wife of Senator Basiru Ajibola, APC National Secretary) , Mrs Ufuoma Aso Orimuo (Treasurer, Patani LGA, Delta state) , Hon.Dickson Fineboy Ebegbare(The Isoko Federal House of Representatives aspirant of the SDP), State Excos of the Atiku Support Organization (ASO), among many others
The funeral also showcased the beautiful culture of the Igbide people, as traditional dancers delivered energetic performances to thrill guests.
Late Richard Ogero Ayovuata , who passed away at the age of 62, is survived by one(1) wife and seven (7) children including the Founder of the Courageous Girls Women and Children Initiative-CGWCI, Ambassador Courage Uyoyou Ayovuata and a host of others.
