Giwa-Amu laid to rest

Uchechukwu Olisah, Benin City - 02.03.2008

THE remains of the late Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Solomon Giwa-Amu, were buried on Saturday in his home town, Sabongidda-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State amid encomiums. The interment was preceded by a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of St. John (Anglican Communion), Sabongidda-Ora presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, Right Reverend (Professor) John Akao, who was assisted by the Director, Army Chaplain Services (Protestant), Nigerian Army, Yaba, Lagos, Lieutenant Colonel D.D. Danfulani.

In a sermon, Professor Akao called on the Federal Government to help halt the carnage on Nigeria’s highways by ensuring regular maintenance of roads across the country. Bishop Akao expressed sadness that the death of Brigadier-General Giwa-Amu was caused by potholes, which resulted in a burst tyre on the Abuja–Kaduna road.

He lauded the efforts of the Edo State governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor in making the construction and rehabilitation of roads a priority of his administration. The clergyman urged motorists to drive with care as God had a purpose for everyone on earth. According to him, “Let’s remember that it is he who drives well today that will drive tomorrow”.

Bishop Akao described the death of Brigadier-General Giwa-Amu as a colossal loss to the nation and “one death too many,” just as he enjoined the congregation to live a life that would qualify them for eternity.

During a graveside oration, the Chief of Army Staff, represented by the Director of Policy and Plans, Army Headquarters, Major-General Kef Ekwo, said Giwa-Amu was a gallant officer and gentleman who rendered selfless service to the nation.

The Chief of Army Staff said the death of Giwa-Amu was a great loss to his family, the nation and Africa as a whole. He presented the sword of the late general to his eldest son, Master Ohio Giwa-Amu and enjoined him to remain courageous.

Dignitaries who attended the burial included the Edo State governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke; Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswan; former Chief of General Staff, Admiral Mike Akhigbe; former Rivers State governors, Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; former Cross River State governor, Mr. Donald Duke and Chief Tony Anenih.