On Friday, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, joined a distinguished gathering of dignitaries at Ute-Okpu Grammar School in Ika North East Local Government Area to honor the life and legacy of Elder Gilbert Okafor Ibegbulem, who passed away at the age of 89 after a brief illness. The funeral ceremony for Elder Ibegbulem, father of Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, the former Principal Secretary to ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, was a solemn yet uplifting occasion, marked by heartfelt tributes, hymns, and reflections on a life defined by faith, discipline, and service to humanity.
Governor Oborevwori, in his address during the funeral, described the late Elder Ibegbulem as an exceptional figure whose life was a testament to wisdom, humility, and unwavering discipline. He emphasized the elder’s profound commitment to education and family values, noting that these qualities had left an indelible mark on his children and the broader community. “In life, Papa was an exceptional man whose wisdom, humility, and discipline touched many lives,” the Governor said. “I always tell people that the best legacy you can give your children is education. Papa understood this truth deeply. He trained his children and raised them with love, discipline, and values.”
Drawing from scripture, Governor Oborevwori quoted 2 Timothy 4:7–8, stating that Elder Ibegbulem had “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” He highlighted the elder’s enduring legacy, describing him as a “library of wisdom, faith, and values” whose quiet strength and devotion to God would continue to inspire those who knew him. The Governor likened the loss of an elder to the loss of an entire library, underscoring the depth of knowledge and experience that Elder Ibegbulem embodied. “There’s an old saying that when an elder passes, it is as though a whole library has been lost,” he said. “Indeed, Papa was a man of quiet strength, unwavering principles, and deep devotion to God.”
Addressing Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem directly, the Governor commended his efforts in organizing a befitting farewell for his father. “My dear brother, Dr. Hilary, you have done very well,” Oborevwori said. “The crowd here today shows the kind of life Papa lived and the values he instilled. Your father was a good man, and like your political father, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, you have shown humility and leadership.” The large turnout at the funeral, he noted, was a reflection of the elder’s impactful life and the respect he commanded in his community and beyond.
Governor Oborevwori also used the occasion to offer advice to families, urging them to remain united after the loss of their loved ones and to prioritize raising independent, God-fearing children. “To all parents here, let me say this: the best gift you can give your children is to make them independent while you are still alive,” he advised. “Because if you don’t, when you are gone, they may become helpless.” This message underscored the importance of instilling self-reliance and strong moral values in the next generation, a principle that Elder Ibegbulem exemplified in raising his children.
The funeral service featured a sermon titled “The Love of God,” delivered by Venerable Patrick Okoh. The cleric reminded the congregation of the eternal joy awaiting those who accept Christ, emphasizing that “Christ came to give us the nature of God because men were born to commit evil, but through Him, we gain eternal life.” Venerable Okoh praised Elder Ibegbulem for his unwavering service to God and his community, assuring attendees that the late elder would find eternal life in Christ. He also called on political and community leaders to let the love of God guide their actions, noting that such love “compels them to do the needful so that the nation can be developed.” This call to action resonated with the audience, highlighting the broader societal impact of living a life rooted in faith and service.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished array of dignitaries, reflecting Elder Ibegbulem’s widespread influence. Among those in attendance were Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife Dame Edith Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Senator James Manager, former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), business magnate Chief Jide Omokore, Senator Dino Melaye, Chief Keston Pondi, and members of the National and State Assemblies, alongside other notable figures from within and outside Delta State. Their presence underscored the respect and admiration that Elder Ibegbulem commanded across various spheres of society.
The funeral was a poignant blend of solemnity and celebration, with tributes and hymns that paid homage to Elder Ibegbulem’s remarkable life. He was remembered as a pillar of faith, a disciplinarian, and a devoted family man whose commitment to education and moral values would continue to inspire future generations. The ceremony provided an opportunity for reflection on the elder’s contributions to his family, community, and faith, as well as the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Elder Ibegbulem’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have through a steadfast commitment to principles and service. His emphasis on education ensured that his children were equipped to succeed, while his faith and discipline set a standard for others to emulate. The gathering at Ute-Okpu Grammar School was not only a farewell but also a celebration of a life well-lived, one that will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him.
As Delta State mourns the loss of Elder Gilbert Okafor Ibegbulem, his legacy of love, discipline, and faith endures. The values he instilled in his family and community will continue to shape lives, while his memory serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. The funeral was a fitting tribute to a man whose life exemplified the virtues of humility, service, and devotion, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
