President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Senate President, Dr Olusola Saraki, are among the dignitaries that will attend the burial of Pa Pius Okonkwo Ngige, father of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, on Friday.
Fielding questions from newsmen in his Alor country home, the Labour Minister said Osinbajo, Saraki and the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, were among dignitaries expected at the actual burial on Friday, while the President would pay a condolence visit on Saturday.
Senator Ngige said the Federal Government delegation to the burial would be led by the Secretary to the Federal Government, David Lawal. Also expected at the burial are governors of the five South-East states and that of Delta State.
He described his late father as a courageous man who always stood for the truth and fought for the interest of the down trodden without looking for reward.He recalled how his late father lost his job while protecting the interest of his fellow workers and thereafter went into private life.
“He fought his British employers because of the treatment they gave to the carpenters and masons and he was dismissed.”
The minister also recalled that his father, in demonstration of courage changed his name, Ujo ka mma (cowardice is better) to Okwudike (symbol of bravery).
Senator Ngige said the late Pa Pius Okonkwo Ngige was an ardent admirer of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo because of his free education policy for the Western Region
“Indeed, my father is like a book with so many volumes.
He loved education very much and vowed that all his children and relatives would acquire western education.
He awarded scholarship and bursary to many school children. I would like to maintain all his legacies which include love for others, truthfulness, courage and hard work. My wife my children and I will miss him terribly” Senator Ngige said.
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