By Magnus Emuji
The Secretary to Delta State Government Chief Patrick Ukah, and other well-meaning individuals in the society have eulogised the Odogwu of Okpanam, late Chief Peter Dunkwu, describing him as a great asset to humanity.
In a tribute, Ukah said that the death of the Odogwu of Okpanam was a great loss to the community, adding that the deceased touched several lives through his administrative role in the education sector and community development .
Ukah , who described him as an erudite scholar, mathematician, historian and author of repute , stated that he was a leader that every okpanam indigene and all individuals that passed through him were proud of.
He noted that the community had lost a great pillar and support for the advancement of education and the community development, especially in Okpanam Kingdom and Anioma Nation.
Ukah said that the community was consoled by his courage, determination, ideals and philosophies which, according to him, he had left behind as inspiration to upcoming generations.
Also in their separate tributes, the Economic Adviser to Delta State Governor, Dr. Kingsley Emu; the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Bishop Michael Elue; the Isagba of Okpanam, Chief (Dr.) Paul Nwayalani; the Secretary of the Forum of Aniocha / Oshimili Elders’ Association, Chief Chris Biose, and Mr. Emeka Ijeh said that the deceased was a patriotic Deltan, an accomplished civil servant , a teacher and committed indigene of Okpanam Community.
Biose specifically recalled that late Dunkwu in his wisdom brought together Aniocha/Oshimili people of high degree of integrity to form the Izu Ikei Aniocha/ Oshimili, aimed at establishing formidable mouth piece of the people for socio-economic, political and cultural development.
Speaking further in his tribute, Chief Paul Nwayalani described the deceased as a mentor, adding that he lived his life for the benefits of humanity.
In their separate remarks, some children of the deceased, including Mr. Jude Dunkwu, Mrs. Ngozi Anthonia Okeruwa and Cordelia Dunkwu, said that their father was a disciplinarian and accomplished teacher who gave them solid foundation in life .
