Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday, paid a glowing tribute to late Chief (Barr.) Matthew Egwuenu, father of Ojy Okpe of Arise TV News, describing him as a man who lived a life of impactful service.

Governor Oborevwori, who was speaking at a vigil mass by Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church, held at George’s College field, Obinomba in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state for late Chief Matthew Egwuenu, said the deceased lived a life of service, discipline and enduring legacy.

Commiserating with the bereaved family, particularly Ojy Okpe and her siblings, the Governor described their late patriarch as a man whose life was defined not merely by the number of years lived, but by the positive impact he made.

He lauded the presence of key stakeholders, including council chairmen and other leaders in Ndokwa Nation at the service of songs, noting that their physical presence at the ceremony reflected their unity and collective respect for the deceased.

“Your presence here today is a clear demonstration of the value we place on one another, especially in moments of grief,” he said, noting that the late Egwuenu was a distinguished personality who retired as Commissioner of Police.

He noted that Egwuenu rose through the ranks and retired honourably after years of dedicated service to the nation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Governor Oborevwori, said Egwuenu was celebrated for raising accomplished and disciplined children who continue to uphold his positive values.

According to him, the true measure of a person’s life lies in the legacy he leaves behind, stressing that the deceased’s worthy contributions would continue to resonate through his family and community.

Oborevwori said; “When you see the quality of his children, their courage, brilliance, and integrity, you cannot but acknowledge that this is a man who lived well”.

He urged the Ndokwa nation to rally round the Egwuenu family by offering support and comfort during this period of mourning, describing the outpouring of love and the strong turnout at the event as a testament to the deceased’s positive influence.

While acknowledging the pain of loss, the Governor encouraged the family to draw strength from the values instilled by their late father and to continue making him proud by sustaining his legacy, adding that the funeral rites should not only be a time of mourning, but also a celebration of a fulfilled life marked by purpose and meaningful contributions.

Earlier in his homily, Revd. Fr. Vitus Ogbonna said death was a natural phenomenon that everyone must experience, adding that it is a debt that everyone must pay.

Revd. Fr. Ogbonna called on the bereaved family to remain steadfast in faith and uphold the legacy of their departed father, even in the face of deep sorrow, reminding them of the enduring comfort found in Psalm 23 adding that trust in God remained vital during times of grief.

While saying that life has time and season, the cleric urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that their father lived an impactful life of service.