FG commiserates with Benson’s family

Clement Idoko, Abuja - 26.02.2008

THE Federal Government has condoled with the family of the late Chief TOS Benson, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation.

Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. John Odey, was said to have led the government’s delegation to the family of the decease to mourn with them at the weekend.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Mr. Mike Nwokoro, in Abuja on Monday said Odey recalled with nostalgia the contributions of late Chief Benson to the political, socio-economic and cultural developments of not only Lagos State, but also the entire country, Nigeria.

In a letter of condolence which was handed over by the minister to the wife of the late elderstatesman, Chief (Mrs) Oprah Benson, Mr. Odey stated that “Chief Theophilus Owolabi Sobowale Benson was a statesman, national leader, hero and democrat. He was equally a detribalised and committed nation builder who contributed immensely to the socio-political and economic development of this great country, Nigeria.”

As the first Honourable Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture, Mr. Odey said the late Chief Benson laid a solid foundation for the profession of journalism and facilitated the dissemination of information on government programmes and activities to our people effectively, even at a difficult time.

According to the minister, “Chief Benson bequeathed to us a worthy legacy of loyalty, selfless services, dedication to duty and patriotism for which we are eternally grateful.”

The minister prayed God to grant his kind and peaceful soul rest in the bosom of the Lord, as well as gives the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Chief (Mrs) Oprah Benson thanked the minister and his entourage for their visit, and for recognising the contributions of her husband to the growth and development of this nation.