Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday joined dignitaries from across Nigeria at Ute-Okpu Grammar School, Ika North East Local Government Area, for the funeral of the late Elder Gilbert Okafor Ibegbulem, father of former Principal Secretary to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem.
The late Elder Ibegbulem, who passed on at the age of 89 after a brief illness, was celebrated for a life of faith, humility, discipline, and service to God and humanity.
Speaking at the funeral ceremony, Governor Oborevwori, said: “In life, Papa was an exceptional man whose wisdom, humility, and discipline touched many lives. I always tell people that the best legacy you can give your children is education. Papa understood this truth deeply. He trained his children and raised them with love, discipline, and values.”
Quoting from 2 Timothy 4:7–8, the Governor said the late Ibegbulem “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” adding that his memory would continue to inspire those who knew him.
“There’s an old saying that when an elder passes, it is as though a whole library has been lost. Indeed, Papa was a library of wisdom, faith, and values, a man of quiet strength, unwavering principles, and deep devotion to God,” he said.
Speaking further, Governor Oborevwori, said; “my dear brother, Dr. Hilary, you have done very well. The crowd here today shows the kind of life Papa lived and the values he instilled. Your father was a good man, and like your political father, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, you have shown humility and leadership”.
The Governor urged families to remain united after the passing of their parents and emphasized the importance of raising independent and God-fearing children.
“To all parents here, let me say this: the best gift you can give your children is to make them independent while you are still alive. Because if you don’t, when you are gone, they may become helpless,” he advised.
Earlier in his sermon titled “The Love of God,” Venerable Patrick Okoh reminded Christians that life after death is eternal joy for those who accept Christ, adding that “Christ came to give us the nature of God because men were born to commit evil, but through Him, we gain eternal life.”
The cleric praised the late Pa Ibegbulem for his service to God and his community, assuring that he would “have eternal life in Christ.”
He also urged political and community leaders to let the love of God guide their actions, saying such love “compels them to do the needful so that the nation can be developed.”
The funeral drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; former Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Senator James Manager; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.); business mogul, Chief Jide Omokore; Senator Dino Melaye; Chief Keston Pondi, members of the National and State Assemblies; and other notable guests from within and outside the state.
The ceremony was marked by tributes, hymns, and reflections on the life of the late Elder Ibegbulem, who was remembered as a pillar of faith and a man whose legacy of love, discipline, and education will continue to inspire generations.
