……DEATH HONOURS RICHARD OGERO AYOVUATA AS CARNIVAL LIKE FUNERAL HELD AT HOME TOWN
It is said that “Nobody makes lovely corpse” but Richard Ogero Ayovuata did. Even in death, the great Environmental Activist and patriarch of the Ogero-Richard’s dynasty cut a perfect portrait of loveliness and humanity at its finest. Like the brightest daffodil amid a bouquet of flowers, he exudes enviable humaneness even in his wake.
Richard Ogero Ayovuata who passed on the 21st September 2023, remain one of the greatest figures of hope, love, and leadership for the Isoko people and Nigeria as a nation. A man full of integrity, discipline and honesty . He is known for upholding high moral standards and values especially in his dealing with people, family and work.
He was the FIRST civil servant to rise to the position of grade Level 017 in Igbide community as a whole, the first Nulge Chairman in Uvwie LGA and served for 2 consecutive tenures.
The ceremony attracted the crème of Nigeria’s high society. They 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.
It was like a carnival in Igbide, Isoko South LGA of Delta state when the high and low stormed the community to pay their last respects to the late Environmental Activist, Humanitarian and First Civil Servant in Igbide community to rise to the position of grade level 017 .The dignitaries and guests, who included House Of Assembly members, 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), top government officials, NULGE, CSOs, clerics, elder statesmen and captains of industries took turns to eulogise the great Environmental Activist and patriarch of the Ogero-Richard’s dynasty as his remains makes a grand entry into Igbide community in a Customized Rolls Royce Ghost/Limo and thereafter committed to mother earth sacredly within his compound.
Notable among the personalities that attended the occasion were the Environmental Health Officers Association (EHOA) Retirees who described Richard Ogero Ayovuata as a dulged, discipline, upright and no nonsense Officer who stood for truth, justice and fairness while carrying out his official duties.
His classmates and colleagues at School of Health Technology, Benin City 1987 set were in attendance and they described Richard Ogero Ayovuata as a man 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 cannot 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 as a General in your field.”
The Emore Grammar School 1980 class was also in attendance and they described Richard Ogero Ayovuata as a fine gentleman, very intelligent and well articulate, kind, humble and well behaved.
The throng of sympathizers present to welcome the body of the great Environmental Activist is an attestation of the positive impact he made on the lives of people in his lifetime as many described him as a trailblazer who had the interests of everyone around him at heart.