Gov. Bello attends burial of late Chief Andrew Aileku »

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, yesterday attended the final burial of late Chief Andrew Enumanu Aileku, (OFR).

Governor Bello who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, celebrated the contribution of late Ailekwu to Kogi State, been the pioneer Head of Service to the state between 1991/1992 when it was created.

He stated that his immense contribution led to the Federal Government honoring him with the OFR title. He also described him as a kingdom giant who was steadfast with his faith.

Bello stated that life comes in phases, starting from birth and ending in death, thanking God for making him live till 88 years, which according to him coincides with the double digits figure of 33, which Jesus died. He prayed that if God permits his choice, he would also like to depart at age 99.

Ailekwu was praised for his role as one of the founding fathers of Kogi State, adding that his integrity sticks out in all his attributes.

The Deputy Govenor also stated that the Nigerian Security challenges is hurting but as Christians, we can achieve more when prayers are offered to God, than physical efforts.

Of the four things the Elder Statesman wished to see in his life time, in his response, Edward Onoja stated that the Project Power Kogi East (PLUKE) is attending to one and it is ongoing. He also added that although the request for the Lokoja/Shinkafi/Dekina link bridge/road is Federal Government infrastructure, the state is mobilizing efforts to fix the infrastructure, safe for paucity of funds but the infrastructure is a front burner of demands from Kogi state to the FG. He stated that the Project can also be birthed through a Private Public Partnership, PPP, between the state and Federal Government. His last demand according to the Deputy Governor is a constitutional matter, albeit anything is possible through prayers.

He also added that payment of salaries in the New Direction Government of Gov Bello has become consistent and can only get better, adding that, although resources are limited and infrastructural needs are never ending, they shall continue to put efforts to ameliorate the gap in those areas.

Present at the occasion are several dignitaries, including Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Diocesan, Chief Barrister Elukpo, Prof. Sokumba, Pharmacist Alexander Onoja and others.