… mourns Asagba of Asaba, former lawmaker Ojougboh
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has congratulated the Nigerian National Football Team (Super Eagles) for their outstanding performances so far at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Ivory Coast.
He also charged the team to claim the ultimate prize in Sunday’s encounter against host Ivory Coast.
The sports enthusiast expressed his joy over the Super Eagles’ remarkable victory over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-finals.
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In the message to officials and players of the Super Eagles , the former Senate helmsman stated, “the match was full of suspense, twists and turns but in the end, Nigeria triumphed . This victory is hard won. We cannot take it for granted .
“We are proud of how far you have come. Coming ahead on Sunday is the most important match of all. Go for the gold and bring the trophy home”.
He specifically commended the Super Eagles’ head coach Jose Peseiro for his hard work and inspiration to the players at the event saying, “your strategy is result oriented .
According to Mark, “you have all displayed the can-do spirit of Nigerians to the whole world. Go into the final with full determination and team spirit “.
Recall that Senator Mark earlier sent a goodwill message to the team before the commencement of the tournament when he urged the team to go for victory all the way .
He reminded them that they carry the hopes and dreams of over 200 million Nigerians and their supporters from around the world.
Meanwhile the former Senate President has has commiserated with the government and people of Delta state over the demise of the Asagba of Asaba His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien and former House of Representatives member Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.
The traditional ruler was said to have joined his ancestors at the age of 100 . He was the 13th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom.
Senator Mark acknowledged the rich pedigree of the late monarch and noted that the Asagba as Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers made peace and unity his cardinal agenda .
The Asagba was conferred with the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2003 by then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was also Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and had earned numerous awards and honours before his passing.
Senator Mark described the Asagba as a leading icon in the field of Medicine whose sterling leadership and professional dexterity is recognized globally.
Mark acknowledged the outstanding legacies and accomplishments of the foremost traditional ruler saying, “he worked tirelessly for the peace, unity and progress of Delta state till his sunset. His was a unifier”.
Senator Mark also lamented over the sudden death of former House of Representatives member from the Delta State, Dr Cairo Ojougboh.
Dr Ojougboh was said to have passed away while watching the AFCON semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa. He was said to have developed heart attack and slumped after Nigeria’s second goal was canceled and a penalty awarded in favour of South Africa.
Lamenting over the incident, Mark stated, “Ojougboh’s demise was shocking and devastating. He was vibrant and full of life”.
The former lawmaker died at the age of 64.
According to Mark, “the sudden passing of such illustrious son of the land is indeed a huge loss not only to the immediate family and the community but to the entire nation .
Senator Mark condoled with the immediate family, government and people of Delta State and Nigerians just as he prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the faithful departed.
