The Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC] has said it received
the news of the demise of the great Niger Deltan, and former military
and civilian governor of the defunct Midwest and Bendel states, Dr
Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia with sadness.
A statement from the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the
Commission Nsima Ekere said Dr. Ogbemudia was called upon to serve as
Military Governor of the old Midwest State in 1967 at only 35 years
and displayed, throughout his tenure, an uncommon maturity, wisdom,
courage, pragmatic vision, dedication to service and unflinching
commitment to the Nigerian nation, at a time of deep national trials.
He helped steer Nigeria to peace and a time of prosperity.
The statement reads ‘His time still resonates in the history of Edo
and Delta States, which were carved out of the old Bendel State, as a
time of great achievement and development and the Niger Delta region,
in particular, and Nigeria, in general, will miss the acuity of his
vision, the strength of his commitment, the nobility of his loyalty
and the beauty of his humanity.
He leaves behind a great void that would be difficult to fill. He
leaves behind a body of work, a library of vision and a roadmap of
engagement with the people that cannot wholly be emulated. But he
leaves also a guiding light, by his endearing love for his people and
service to humanity, which will continue to show us all the way to go.
It fills us with hope that we can duly serve our people and help
fulfil their dreams.
At the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, we will continue to
take a cue from his work and his example, as well as comfort in his
legacy, to continue to work to facilitate sustainable regional
development and help create the new Niger Delta of which he dreamt and
contributed in no small measure to actualise.
We convey our deepest condolences to the Governor of Edo State, His
Excellency Godwin Obaseki, as well as the good people of Edo State for
this very sad departure. And we commiserate with Mr. Sam Ogbemudia Jr.
and the entire Ogbemudia family, for the death of their patriarch and
our collective father.’