By Chukwuemeka Opara
President Muhammadu Buhari has extoled the virtues of late Michael Ekumankama, father of the Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama, who was laid to rest on Saturday.
Buhari while consoling mourners during the burial at Amangwu, Afikpo North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, said that the deceased who died at 93, lived a life worthy of emulation.
The president, represented by the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said that late Ekumankama left lots of legcaies which could be attested by all.
“I urge his children to hold on to such legacies as he was clearly endowed with immense knowledge.
“This is clearly evident in the way such knowledge has impacted on his children, he said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and that God should give those he left behind, fortitude to bear the loss.
Gov. David Umahi advised people, especially youths, to live responsibly in order to bequeath good legacies on transition.
The governor called for the sustenance of societal values in families while attributing the spate of insecurity in the country to poor parental upbringing.
“I advise our young men and women to live a good life and if someone does good to you, do not pay back with evil,” he said.
He extolled the sterling virtues of industry shown by the late patriarch and enjoined his children to sustain them.
“I appreciate our father’s life and for a man to live up to 93 years in this challenging society, we should be grateful to God.
“We need prayers for our leaders and in a few days, I will be saying like Apostle Paul that I have finished the race and waiting to be crowned with glory by God,” he said.
He lauded the minister of state for health for his exceptional character, noting that it showed proper parenting.
In his tribute, the Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama, lauded the exemplary life of their late father, noting that he was the foundation of his being.
“I will forever cherish your fatherly disposition and your wise counsel still leads me,” he said.
The Chairman of Afikpo South LGA who is another son of the deceased, Mr Chima Ekumankama, attributed his successes in life to the good tutelage of his late father.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the burial was attended by ministers, top government officials among other dignataries.
(NAN)
