It was a moment of grief and deep sadness as government officials, Body of Permanent Secretaries, civil servants, friends and family gathered for the sing-song service in honour of the late Permanent Secretary of Government House Umuahia, Chief Ugochukwu Kingston Elefue.
Speaking at the JAAC Building, Ogurube Layout Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti disclosed that the life of humility, dedication and selfless service of the late Permanent Secretary has left a void that words can scarcely fill.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba while describing Late Chief Ugochukwu Kingston Elefue, as a dependable ally in the discharge of his duties and a man who exhibited humility, diligence and professionalism, added that his exemplary work ethic and sense of responsibility remain a model for other civil servants.
The State Chief Executive expressed sadness that Chief Elefue’s death came at a time his wealth of experience was needed most, and enjoined the bereaved family, Body of Permanent Secretaries, the state civil service community and all affected by the incident to be strong and courageous as well as take solace in the fact that the deceased lived an impactful life.
In a homily titled, “The Brevity of Life,” the District/Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, Market Branch, Pastor Collins Eke-Anyanwu, while describing death as a necessary end for all mortals, stressed the need for all to live righteously in order to gain eternity.
In their tributes on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mrs Magdaline Kalu-Onwu and her Industry and SMEs counterpart, Rev. Okey Ihemanma, described their departed colleague as an embodiment of wisdom, easygoing, hardworking, focused and committed civil servant who distinguished himself in any given assignment, also assured that they will continue to uphold the values of integrity and dedication which the late Permanent Secretary represented.
In his speech on behalf of the Elefue family, the younger brother of the deceased, Mr Chigozirim Elefue, described his late elder brother as the backbone of their family and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest in his bosom.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the state civil service, the Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojeikere, appreciated Governor Otti, Body of Permanent Secretaries, the state workforce and all that came to honour the deceased, and also prayed God to grant all affected by the death of Chief Elefue the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Aged 58, Late Chief Ugochukwu Kingston Elefue who until his death was the Permanent Secretary of Government House Umuahia will be laid to rest at his Amawom Oboro countryhome in Ikwuano LGA on Friday this week.
The Sing-Song service which featured prayers for the Elefue’s family, tributes also attracted the presence of the Member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Mr Boniface Isienyi, Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle Kenneth Wiper, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Management and Staff of Government House Umuahia, the church among other notable personalities.
