Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday joined political leaders and other dignitaries at the funeral service of Mrs Felicia Oritseolumewo Arenyeka, mother of the Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Solomon Arenyeka.
The funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church, Warri, where family members, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and sympathisers gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased.
Oborevwori was accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, while other dignitaries included the wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Catherine Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; and Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and Ede Dafinone.
Also present were Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Hon. Francis Waive and other political and public figures.
The service offered an opportunity for the gathering to mourn Mrs Arenyeka, while reflecting on her life, values and the impact she had on her family and community.
In his sermon titled, “Life’s Practical Challenges to Christians and Office Holders,” the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Warri, Rev. Jesse Okoroji Jnr., urged Christians and political leaders to approach life and public service with humility, faithfulness and a strong sense of responsibility.
The cleric described the deceased as “a woman of songs,” saying her life was marked by beauty, inspiration and positive influence.
He said her passing should not only be viewed as a moment of grief but also as an opportunity to reflect on the value of a life well lived.
The pastor also used the occasion to speak about leadership and development in Delta State, commending Oborevwori for what he described as his administration’s development efforts.
Okoroji specifically praised the governor’s Warri Urban Transformation programme, citing the construction of flyovers, bridges and other infrastructure projects across the city.
He said the projects were changing the appearance of Warri and creating a new outlook for the city.
The cleric compared the emerging transformation in parts of Warri to Dubai and urged the governor to sustain his efforts to reposition the city and the state.
He also commended Oborevwori for his intervention on the Warri-Sapele-Benin Highway, but appealed to the contractor handling the project to speed up work.
According to him, completing the road project quickly would reduce the difficulties faced by motorists, commuters and residents who depend on the highway.
Okoroji further commended the state government for what he described as the prevailing peace in Delta, saying security and stability were necessary for meaningful development.
He prayed for the continued peace and unity of the state.
The funeral brought together political figures from different backgrounds, including members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition APC, as they joined the Arenyeka family to honour the deceased.
The gathering also served as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership and the importance of leaving behind a positive legacy.
Mrs Arenyeka was remembered by the gathering as a woman whose values and influence extended beyond her immediate family.
As sympathisers consoled Chief Arenyeka and his family, the service concluded with reflections on life, faith, leadership and the enduring memories left by the departed.
