Late Stephen Keshi To Be Buried In Illah July 29

The burial arrangements for late Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, have been made public.

A member of the burial committee, who is also the Delta State Commissioner for Information Mr. Patrick Ukah, revealed that the ceremonies will hold between Thursday, July 28, and Sunday, July 31, 2016.

According to Mr. Ukah, who spoke in Asaba yesterday, (Wednesday, July 20,2016), on Thursday, July 28, 2016, there will be a requiem mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 30 Airport Road, Benin City, from 9:00 am, followed by lying in state at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, by 11:00am, while a novelty match by All Stars and Tributes will also take place at the same venue.

The same day, his remains will depart Benin City for Asaba, Delta State from 1:15pm. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba, from 3:15pm, while a service of songs/vigil mass will hold at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, Delta State by 6:00pm same day.

On Friday, July 29, 2016 the body leaves Asaba for Illah by 7am, and there will be a brief stopover at the Ogbelani Palace for traditional rites as a Palace Chief by 8:00am, followed by lying in state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 8:30am.

The requiem mass will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am after which interment will hold at his family compound, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 12:30pm. Entertainment of guests will be at Omorka Primary School Playground by 12:30pm.

The burial ceremonies will be rounded up on Sunday, July 31, 2016 with a thanksgiving mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am.

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Okowa Decries Elaborate Post-Thanksgiving Party When Little Was Given To God

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has advised Christians to give more to God than giving little while engaging in elaborate post-thanksgiving reception.

The Governor gave the advice at the weekend at the Christ Anglican Church, Umunede during a special thanksgiving service and dedication of church hall cum children chapel donated by the member representing Ika North-East in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri.

According to Governor Okowa, "the actual thanksgiving is what we do for the Lord, not what you do after coming to the church for the thanksgiving."

"We must know that whatever we are was made possible by God," the Governor stated at the service which was attended by retinue of legislators from within and outside the state.

He added, "I must congratulate Hon. Elekeokwuri for the church hall, we must always remember our beginning; with the church building, both the church and the community are happy and I thank our traditional rulers for ensuring that their communities are peaceful which has ensured that I am not distracted in what I am doing."

The Governor used the occasion to call for prayers for Nigeria, especially, those holding political offices, disclosing that times are tough but, with prayers, God will intervene.

"Times are tough and the solution can only be found in God, we should pray for our leaders and we shall indeed, prosper; peace is the first thing a man desires and it is my hope that God will give Nigeria peace, give peace to our state, give us peace as individuals and we will continue to do our best for our state," the Governor reiterated.

Hon. Elekeokwuri at the occasion thanked God for His blessings and used the occasion to describe Governor Okowa as a man who talks less and do more.

"We have a Governor that makes a lot of sacrifice, I can tell you that some of us got our official cars before he (the Governor) got his, he is a man who talks less and do more and we should continue to support and pray for him," the law maker said.

Preaching at the occasion, the Bishop of Ika Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Peter Onekpe commended Governor Okowa for his support for the growth of the church, stating, "you (Governor Okowa) are proving that you can be a Christian and be a good politician."

He decried situation where people holding political positions enriched themselves at the expense of the masses, observing, "if all the money that were said to be embezzled are used in this country, then we should be a rich nation."

The church hall donated by the legislator was dedicated at the occasion while a copy of the Bible was presented as a gift to the Governor.

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