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Remembering Sir FGN Okoye (Chinyeugo Enugwu-Ukwu) 20 Years After

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Popularly known as The Federal Government, Sir FGN Okoye, who slept in the Lord exactly 20 years ago, was phenomenal, enigmatic and everything humane.

The man, who held the title of Chinyelugo Enugwu-Ukwu, is remembered today by daughter, Dr Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, who still has ours of her ‘role model father’ 20 years after his demise. She has therefore, put together an eulogy in evergreen memory of the patriarch of Okoye family:

20 years ago, our role model father, late Sir Felix Godson Nwenechukwu Okoye (FGN) (chinyelugo Enuguw-ukwu), popularly called Federal Government of Nigeria went to be with the lord.

Our father came from a humble family. He did not come from rich parentage, but his parents allowed him to become a Christian. He was a true Christian in word and in deed, and exhibited mostly the fruits of the Spirit.

FGN did not focus on his humble beginning but made the decision to utilize his innate talents of determination, commitment resilience to build a mega construction company,  FGN Okoye & Sons in the then Eastern Region from a few Pennies. This, he accomplished with the help of his sons. Being aware of the fact that ‘our past does not equal our future’, he refused to dwell on his background.

He married a very beautiful woman, Dame Monica chiebonam Okoye nee Okonkwo, and they had 12 children with two surviving sons and 6 surviving daughters.

The loss of his very brilliant well-connected first son, Dr. Felix Chuks Okoye could have broken him but he went through the experience with equanimity and fortitude.
Dr Felix Chuks Okoye’s wife, Barrister Mrs Ijeoma Chuks-Okoye, sons, daughter and grandchildren are all doing well, thanks to his fatherly attention.

FGN was a great role model when it comes to principle-centered values, contentment, inner peace, gratitude, humility, honesty, integrity, transparency, compassion, empathy, passion and impact. He taught us, the children great lessons bordering on a “good name is better than money” and that if you “want to be rich, you need to work hard and stay away from Ill-gotten wealth”.
These values have largely influenced my life, and today, they have contributed to my inner fulfilment and peace of mind.

One of the greatest gifts our parents gave us is the gift of prayer. I can’t make it through the day if I miss my prayers and Bible reading. My spirit, mind and body are instantly renewed once I go to the Lord’s convenant, table and speak to my heavenly father, my alpha and omega, my root and anchor.

Papa and mama, thanks for the solid spiritual foundation which you gave me and my siblings from childhood.

I thank God that I also got your gift of determination, focus, commitment, resilience, which has enabled me to build a thriving family business, in conjunction withmyhusband and children. I also learnt from your show of compassion and empathy.

I’m proud to say that I am continuing your work of impacting lives through the WOMEN ALIGNED FOR GROWTH – a character rebuilding social change and impact for female folks and ENUGWU- UKWU DAUGHTERS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.

Our father was never greedy and never cheated anyone in his business life. He was a great family man humble and accommodating. He was loving to his brothers and other relatives. He had a great marriage with our mother, and together they are blessed with 8 surviving children 36 grand children and 48 great grandchildren. And in honour of their efforts in our lives, our family is setting up a foundation called LATE SIR FGN AND DAME MONICA OKOYE FOUNDATION. One of the objectives is to promote good parenting, healthy relationships and help people acquire conflict resolution skills.
Our parents were blessed with 8 surviving children Chief JC Okoye
Ngozi Patricia Asiegbu, Justice Chinwe Iyizoba , Eng Chris Okoye, Dr Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, Dame princess karanate Egbuson, Lady Uche Obi and Barr Joy Ebeledike. Engr. Chris Okoye is married to Prof Ifeoma Okoye nee Nwokike.

We also salute our inlaws; the UCD Okoyes chiamaonwus, Asiegbus, Iyizobas, Nwokikes, Nwakwesis, Karenate- Egbuson, Obis Ebeledikes. The entire Umo-okoye clan of Orji- village Enugwu-ukwu celebrate your impactful life.

My prayer is that all of us will continue to make empowering choices in our lives so we can continue upholding his legacies and that of our role model mother.

Our father’s life typified the adage that it is not your past that influences the outcome of your life but the decisions you make today and tomorrow will sculpt your life.

May God inspire us to collaborate with each other, holding each other’s hand, the strong supporting the weak so we can all win together.

To my handsome, tall, ebony-black, vibrant, and boisterous father with an impeccable style; may you continue to rest in peace. Your legacy will be kept alive. I still miss you and look forward to more encounters with you in our spiritual rendezvous.

Rest on great father, and thank you for the solid foundation which has helped me to be an asset to my family and the society.

Rest well papa!

Dr Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi MBBS, also known as the Phenomenal Woman, is an Integrative Lifestyle Specialist

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Ex-Oyo Governor, Victor Olunloyo, Dies at 90

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A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.

According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.

The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.

It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.

“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.

“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.

“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.

“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”

About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.

But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.

“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.

He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.

“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”

The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.

He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.

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Umahi Apologises to Tinubu, Lagosians, Denies Knowledge of Bridge Closure

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The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi on Thursday, said the closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos for urgent rehabilitation of the collapsed retaining wall was made without his knowledge or authorization.

Umahi said this while apologising to Lagos residents and President Bola Tinubu for the disruption caused by the sudden closure of the bridge on Wednesday.

Umahi who spoke when he toured the bridge in Lagos said: ” Unfortunately, when the bridge was to be closed, I was not informed. It is very unfortunate because for a bridge to be closed, especially in Lagos, as has been the tradition, I should be informed as the minister.

“We should also have studied the implication of it even in an emergency situation. We would have deployed emergency evaluation of the implication of closing the bridge.”

Umahi warned that controllers of works and engineers would face disciplinary action if such an incident would happen again.

“I use the opportunity to warn all controllers and engineers all over the country. Never you close a road or close any bridge without running through the permanent secretary, who will seek for permission from the honourable minister of works,” he said.

The minister acknowledged the efforts of Lagos State Government in managing traffic flow during the closure.

He also took responsibility for the error, saying: “I take responsibility for it, even though I did not order it, but every action by any staff of the ministry of works, I take responsibility for it.”

Umahi said that the closure, which caused significant traffic congestion, was avoidable.

He said: “If we were to do this properly, there would have been a different kind of method deployed and it wouldn’t have necessitated the total closure.”

According to him, even if closure was necessary, it would have been done in a way that it would take three days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and necessary remedial work would have been put in place.

“What we are doing now is to restore the bridge temporarily within the next three days. By Sunday, this place will be totally open.”

He added that a permanent solution would be implemented after a two-week assessment.

“Then, after two weeks, we will look at the settlements, and then we will take out three days to put the permanent structure. That is what we are going to do,” he said.

The minister emphasised the competence of the contractor handling the project, Build Well.

“Build Well is a reputable company, and they have been restoring a lot of failures on our bridges in Lagos, some of them 53 years old.

“Some bridges’ spans have been lifted, especially Eko Bridge, Marina Bridge, and even the Lagos-Ibadan Bridge. They are also intervening in all of them,” he added.

The minister also said that the design of the bridge would be varied to address the emergency situation.

He said: ” The design will be varied according to the emergency situation we have on ground, and the contractor is going to cooperate with us.”

He pledged to personally oversee the restoration efforts, saying, “I am not going until the bridge is fully restored by Sunday, we will work day and night to restore it, and then we will evaluate it.”

The bridge was initially closed on April 1 for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works, with the government planning to complete the repairs by May.

NAN

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Communal Clashes: Adeleke Threatens Royal Fathers with Dethronement

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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has threatened stern state action against traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu communities if they fail to sustain current peace, and de-escalate the crisis in their communities.

The Governor issued the warning against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas are planning another round of attacks.

“In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place.

“The security agencies are also speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict. I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough”, the Governor was quoted as saying in the statement.

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