On Friday, September 26, 2025, the serene town of Jagindi Tasha in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State became a focal point of unity, reflection, and solemnity as dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to bid farewell to Mr. Danladi Ambi, the foster father of Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme. The funeral service, held at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church, was attended by a distinguished entourage led by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, whose presence underscored the deep respect and admiration for the late patriarch. Mr. Ambi, a retired soldier, public servant, farmer, and devout Christian, passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy that resonated far beyond his immediate family and community.
The event was not only a farewell to a remarkable man but also a celebration of a life well-lived, marked by discipline, service, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of others. The ceremony drew a diverse array of attendees, including high-ranking government officials, community leaders, and family members, all united in their shared admiration for a man whose influence shaped lives and inspired generations.
A Solemn Gathering of Dignitaries
Governor Oborevwori, known for his commitment to fostering unity and honoring the legacies of those who have served their communities, led a delegation of prominent Deltans to Kaduna for the occasion. The governor’s decision to attend the funeral in person was a testament to the deep bond between him and his deputy, as well as his recognition of Mr. Ambi’s profound impact on Sir Monday Onyeme’s life and career. Accompanying the governor were several notable figures from Delta State, including Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency; Hon. Charles Emetulu; Hon. Emeka Osamuta; Comrade Reuben Izeze; Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza; Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Dr. Barry Gbe; and Chief Jeffrey Azagba, among others. Their presence added weight to the ceremony, reflecting the widespread respect for Mr. Ambi’s contributions to society.
The event also attracted dignitaries from beyond Delta State, highlighting the late Ambi’s far-reaching influence. Among the notable attendees was Hajia Fatima Abass Tajudeen, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, whose presence added a national dimension to the gathering. Also in attendance were Hon. Daniel Amos, Member representing Jama’a/Sanga Federal Constituency and son-in-law of the deceased; Hon. Mark Esset of Uyo Federal Constituency; and Hon. Ishaya Lalu of Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency. The convergence of such prominent figures underscored the universal appeal of Mr. Ambi’s legacy, which transcended regional and political boundaries.
The ECWA Church, Jagindi Tasha, provided a fitting backdrop for the funeral. The simple yet elegant structure, adorned with modest decorations, exuded a sense of reverence and tranquility. As mourners filed into the church, the atmosphere was heavy with a mix of sorrow and gratitude—sorrow for the loss of a beloved figure, and gratitude for the life he lived and the lessons he imparted. The service was marked by heartfelt tributes, soul-stirring hymns, and prayers that sought to honor Mr. Ambi’s memory while offering solace to his grieving family.
A Life of Service and Discipline
Mr. Danladi Ambi was a man of many facets—a retired soldier, a dedicated public servant, a skilled farmer, and a devout Christian whose faith guided his actions. Born 82 years ago, he lived a life defined by resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. His career as a soldier instilled in him a sense of duty and structure, qualities that he carried into his roles as a public servant and farmer. As a Christian, his faith was the cornerstone of his existence, shaping his interactions with others and his approach to life’s challenges.
Ambi’s contributions to his community were manifold. As a soldier, he served his country with honor, defending its sovereignty during a career that spanned several years. After retiring from the military, he transitioned into public service, where he continued to make a positive impact. His work as a farmer was equally noteworthy, as he cultivated the land with skill and dedication, providing sustenance for his family and contributing to the agricultural backbone of his community. Above all, Ambi was a family man, whose love and guidance left an indelible mark on those closest to him, particularly Sir Monday Onyeme, whom he raised as his own son.
A Foster Father’s Lasting Impact
In a deeply emotional tribute, Sir Monday Onyeme, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, laid bare the profound influence that Mr. Ambi had on his life. Speaking with a voice heavy with emotion, Onyeme recounted how his journey with Ambi began at the tender age of 10, when he came under the care of his aunt’s husband. To Onyeme, Ambi was more than a foster father—he was a mentor, a guide, and a pillar of strength who shaped his character and career.
“I began living with Baba when I was 10 years old. He was husband to my aunt, but he raised me as his own child,” Onyeme said, his words resonating with gratitude and reverence. “He ensured I completed my education and supported me through my career journey, including getting employment in NEPA and NALDA. Everything I am today revolved around him.”
Onyeme’s tribute painted a vivid picture of Ambi as a man of discipline and compassion. As a retired soldier, Ambi was a strict disciplinarian who instilled in Onyeme the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Yet, beneath his tough exterior lay a heart full of love and generosity. Ambi’s commitment to Onyeme’s education was unwavering, ensuring that the young boy had access to opportunities that would pave the way for a successful future. His support extended to Onyeme’s professional life, as he played a pivotal role in securing employment opportunities at the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).
Onyeme described Ambi as a “tough soldier, a disciplinarian, a farmer of excellence, and a man who lived for the success of others.” Even in retirement, Ambi remained a source of wisdom and guidance, offering counsel that continued to shape Onyeme’s decisions. “His counsel remained invaluable even in retirement,” Onyeme noted. “We will miss him greatly, but we are comforted that we are living the kind of life he wanted us to live.”
The Deputy Governor also expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for making the journey to Kaduna to honor his foster father. The governor’s presence, Onyeme said, was a powerful gesture of solidarity and respect, not only for Ambi but also for the values he stood for. “I am deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for the sacrifice of traveling all the way to Kaduna to honor my late foster father,” Onyeme said. “It is a testament to his leadership and his commitment to standing by those who serve with him.”
A Sermon on Legacy
The funeral service was presided over by Rev. Gambo Shagaya, whose sermon, titled “Legacy Beyond the Grave,” drew from Hebrews 11:4. The message was a poignant reflection on the importance of living a life that leaves a lasting impact. Rev. Shagaya urged the congregation to consider the legacy they would leave behind, emphasizing that every life, regardless of status or wealth, has the potential to influence future generations.
“Every life leaves a legacy, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated,” Rev. Shagaya said. “The question is, what kind of legacy are you leaving? Leave a legacy of faith, service, and impact. Let your children see your passion for the things of God, serve humanity with your achievements, and impact your generation before you depart this world.”
The sermon resonated deeply with the mourners, many of whom nodded in agreement as the minister spoke. For those who knew Mr. Ambi, the message felt like a fitting tribute to his life. His legacy, as Rev. Shagaya’s words suggested, was one of faith, service, and impact—a legacy that would continue to inspire those who knew him and those who would hear of his story in the years to come.
A Celebration of a Life Well-Lived
The funeral was a blend of solemnity and celebration, as mourners paid their respects through heartfelt tributes, prayers, and hymns. The ECWA Church choir led the congregation in soulful renditions of hymns that spoke of hope, eternal life, and the promise of reunion in the hereafter. The music filled the air with a sense of peace, offering comfort to the grieving family and friends.
Family members and close associates of Mr. Ambi took turns sharing their memories of him, each story adding another layer to the portrait of a man who lived with purpose and integrity. Some spoke of his discipline as a soldier, others of his generosity as a farmer, and still others of his unwavering faith as a Christian. Together, these tributes painted a picture of a man who was both ordinary and extraordinary—a man who lived quietly but left a profound impact on those around him.
The presence of dignitaries from across Nigeria added a layer of significance to the event. Hajia Fatima Abass Tajudeen, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke briefly, expressing her condolences and praising Ambi’s contributions to his family and community. Hon. Daniel Amos, Ambi’s son-in-law, shared a particularly moving tribute, describing the late patriarch as a father figure whose love and guidance extended to all who knew him.
A Legacy That Endures
As the funeral drew to a close, the mood shifted from one of sorrow to one of gratitude and hope. Mr. Danladi Ambi’s life was a testament to the power of discipline, faith, and service. His influence on Sir Monday Onyeme, now a key figure in Delta State’s governance, was a living example of the impact one person can have on another’s life. Through Onyeme’s achievements, Ambi’s legacy would continue to ripple outward, touching the lives of countless Deltans and Nigerians.
Governor Oborevwori’s attendance at the funeral was more than a gesture of support for his deputy—it was a recognition of the values that Ambi embodied. In a world often marked by division and self-interest, Ambi’s life stood as a reminder of the importance of selflessness, integrity, and faith. His story, as shared through the tributes and sermon, was a call to action for all who attended: to live purposefully, to serve others, and to leave a legacy that endures beyond the grave.
As the mourners departed the ECWA Church, they carried with them not only the memory of a man who had touched their lives but also a renewed commitment to live in a way that honors his example. For Sir Monday Onyeme, the day was a bittersweet moment of farewell and gratitude—a chance to honor the man who had shaped his life and to pledge to carry forward his legacy of service and faith.
In the quiet town of Jagindi Tasha, the legacy of Mr. Danladi Ambi lives on, not only in the hearts of his family but in the lives of all those he touched through his discipline, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the greater good.
