Osinbajo revealed this during the Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the Life of the Late Olorugun Ideh at the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport Road, Effurun.
According to him,” I am not just on my personal capacity, but also representative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
While expressing the need to thank God and pay last respect to the great Nigeria leader, Osinbajo said “I think I know why God gave him such a long life. Because He knew he had so much to contribute both locally and nationally and, indeed, he did so much.” he added.
continuing, he said “He was as a young man involved in the struggle for Nigeria Independence ; member of secret movement under the leadership of Zik of Africa. He was founding member of Midwest where he served as the National Secretary and member of working committee.”
He noted that at the creation of Delta State, the goodwill and contact of the Late Ideh was needed in the struggle.
” Years later, the tenacity, goodwill and contact were needed in the struggle for the creation of Delta State and today, we have Delta State, the product of this tenacity, great wisdom and commitment.” he stated.
In his words” we are not gathered here to celebrate the length of days, but to honour the consistence qualities of a man that had been demonstrated to stand in the sands of several decades.”
He maintained that the loss of loved ones was always characterised by grief and sadness.
” When we gathered to commemorate the passing of our loved ones, it is natural to feel a sense of loss and sadness, but in the case of a man in whose name we gathered today, our sadness is moderated by sense of celebration of life,” he added.
In his homily, Rev. Michael Ekeke, who took his Bible reading from St. Luke 17: 11-19, noted that God expects everyone to give Him thanks, irrespective of ones circumstances.
While highlighting the benefits of Thanksgiving to include open doors, open gates and new opportunities, among others, Rev. Ekeke maintained that Olorugun Ideh lived a life that glorified God .
Delta State Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro had earlier received the Vice President at the Osubi Airport.