Below is the speech by NBA President at the valedictory court session in honor of Ogaga John Emoghwanre, Esq, immediate past Publicity Secretary, NBA Benin, Special Assistant to Olumide Akpata, immediate past NBA President.
SUNSET AT NOON: STATEMENT OF Y.C. MAIKVAU, SAN, ON THE DEMISE OF OGAGA EMOGHAWANRE, SECRETARY, NBA WELFARE COMMITTEE
“The important thing is not how many years in your life but how much life in your years.” – Edward Stieglitz.
It is with a heavy heart but an unflinching submission to God Almighty that I make this statement. As we all mourn our colleague, brother and friend, Ogaga Emoghawanre, I am reminded of the above quote which is rather apposite for the life and years of Ogaga. At 42 and until his death, Ogaga served as the Publicity Secretary of the Benin Branch of the NBA; Secretary,
Welfare Committee of the NBA; Special Assistant to the President of the NBA;
Member, National Executive Council and a Candidate for the Office of National Publicity Secretary at the just concluded national elections of the NBA. Most importantly, he was a son, husband, father and a believer.
Ogaga personified the life in years rather than years in life. He touched many lives-mine inclusive- with his mild manners and infectious smile, in ways that only special people do. He recently demonstrated strength of character by the sportsmanship with which he handled his disappointment at the polls, by congratulating his opponent and extending a hand of friendship at the close of the ballot.
I will personally miss our fellowship on this side of eternity and I commiserate with his immediate and extended family, President Olumide Akpata,NBA Benin Branch, the Welfare Committee and indeed the entire NBA, on this irreparable loss.
As we mourn this sudden departure of Ogaga and of some of our colleagues who recently passed, let us be comforted by the life in their years.
May the soul of Ogaga Emoghyanre and of all our other departed colleagues, find eternal rest.
