Members of the press corps attached to the administration of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday held a solemn service in honour of their late colleague, Kingsley Uchegbu, a Government House correspondent who passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, May 6.
The memorial gathering, marked by prayers, reflections and tributes, was presided over by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, who delivered the welcome remarks.
Dr. Ebojele said the service was organised to honour the memory of a colleague whose life positively impacted many within and outside the Government House press community.
“We are gathered here today to pay respect to a friend, a brother and a colleague whom we lost. We pray his soul rests in perfect peace. We are here as a family and we hope that bond continues among us,” he said.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, he noted that life comes with seasons of joy and mourning, stressing that death remains the one certainty for all mankind regardless of status or wealth.
“There is a time to rejoice and a time to mourn, and every season comes with its own emotions. But one reality in life is certain, and that is death. Whether rich, famous or poor, death is inevitable. We cannot question God,” he added.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media, Paul Ezenwa, described the late Uchegbu as a dependable and dedicated professional whose legacy would continue to inspire colleagues and friends.
“This is a solemn moment for all of us. It is also a time for reflection on the kind of impact we leave behind and the place we occupy in the hearts of people when we are gone,” he said.
Ezenwa, who said he had known and worked closely with the deceased for several years, described him as calm, reliable and solution-driven.
“I worked with him for about four years and have known him in the profession for over 15 years. He was a quiet and gentle man. You could hardly mention people working in this office without mentioning Uche. He was committed, dependable and always willing to help. Even in difficult situations, he found solutions. We should all strive to live lives that people will remember positively,” he stated.
Delivering the sermon, Government House Chaplain, Apostle Sule Faraday, preached from John 11:25-26 and Hebrews 9:27, urging those present to appreciate God for the impactful life lived by the deceased.
According to the cleric, the occasion should be seen not only as a moment of mourning but also of gratitude for the life and legacy of Kingsley Uchegbu.
“It is time to thank God for the life our late brother lived. It is a time to appreciate God that he had a family and touched lives meaningfully. Many families have perished together, but today we are gathered to thank God for his life,” he said.
Among dignitaries present at the service were the Executive Assistant to the Governor, Fred Oyabure; Special Adviser on Communication, Strategy and Media Projects, Godswill Inegbe; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi; and Special Adviser on New Media and Visual Communication, Jackson Monday Isangofon, among others.