By Our Correspondent
Encomiums flowed freely as the remains of Nigerian foremost technocrat and boardroom guru, Mr Gamaliel Onosode was laid to rest.
The journey to the late national icon started at about 7:55 am, in a processional parade to his former alma mater, Government College Ughelli for lying in state at where he was given red carpet reception.
His body was received by ancient and young mariners of the institution with guard of honour in his respect; there he was ushered into the assembly hall by old boys for lying in state at about 9: am.
Paying tributes, President, Government College Ughelli Old Boys’ Association worldwide, Prof. Ogbemi O. Omatete describes the late ancient mariner as a brilliant student and old boy of the institution.
“Onosode was a passionate old boy, a Mariner, an Ancient Mariner, an S.B. Agodo Medal Award Winner, a GCUOBA Life Achievement Winner, and above all a role model many old boys endeavor to emulate. He stood firmly for the renovation of our great institution even when the cash was not there”.
Omatete described the passage of Onosode as a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
Also the principal of the school, Mr Vincent Useh eulogized Onosode as a nationalist whose wealth of experience will be missed by Government College and the world at large.
When his body arrived the First Baptist Church, Ughelli at about 11:03 am for the funeral service amidst tributes and eulogies, the President of the Nigerian Baptist convention, Dr. Samuel Olasupo Ayokunle charged the congregation to live a life of responsibility, urging all to emulate the lifestyle of the late Deacon Onosode.
Paying his tribute, former commonwealth Secretary General, Emeka Anyaoku said, “I first met Gam as his fondly called in 1954 as a student of classics at the University of Ibadan and our companion grew the extent were we both had same haircut style with the parting at the center of our head which Onosode had for a long time. Because of our close relationship, he was my best man when I got married in 1962. He used his wealth for the development of the church both Lagos and Ughelli. When I got the call that GAM was dead, I then said an iroko has fallen. My wife and his wife do call themselves as sisters till date.
Governor of Delta state Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa described him as a conscience of the Nigerian nation who will be missed by the cooperate world. He was known for accuracy in terms of time keeping, he was called Mr Integrity. A very meticulous man who is very committed to whatever he embarks doing as he doesn’t give excuses. The world will miss his person, Delta State government has lost a son whose position is hard to replace.
National Chairman of the All Nigeria People’s Congress (APC) and former governor of Edo State, Chief Odigie John Oyegun could not hide his feelings as his old time friend and compatriot is no more. He said Onosode was an honest man, a principle man with the highest integrity. Nigerians will miss his worth.
On his part, University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello said, without Onosode, Unilag name would have been changed today, he stood by the school in time of difficulties and his name will ever remain in our golden book of records.
Describing him as a quintessential gentleman, Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ibru held that Onosode came from the same place with her husband was a family friend who always there for you.
President General of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Chief Engr. Joe Omene, said, “The Urhobo nation has lost a rare gem who will be difficult to replace as we rejoice his glorious exit we are also mourning his exit. He was an accomplished Urhobo man”.
Chief Fred Majemite who represented the Ovie of Ughelli kingdom, said, “Onosode held a strong sway in the dualization of Ughelli Metropolitan road, the kingdom have lost a hero he lamented”.
Deacon Onosode was interred by church and family members at about 4:45pm at his country home Edia r’ Ufuoma in Ekiugbo-Ughelli.
Among the dignitaries that graced the ceremony includes: Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Delta State former Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, Senator Ighoyota Amori and James Manager, Secretary to the Delta State Government,
Barr. Festus Ovie Agas, Hon Ross Uredi, publisher of THISDAY Newspaper, Nduka Obaigbena, NFF President, Mr. Pinnick Amaju, Prof. Duro Oni, Provost College of Medicine, UNILAG, Prof. M. A Ojo, VC BOWEN University, Prof. Ovie Igun, VC Michael & Cecilia Ibru University, Daddy Showkey, Sammie Okposo, Ancient & young Mariners, Chief Askia Ogieh and host of others.
