Tears As Ocholi, Wife, Son Laid To Rest In Hometown

SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, (THEWILL) – The late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi, along with his wife, Blessing, and son, Joshua, was on Friday laid to rest in his hometown Abocho in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

THEWILL reports that the burial, of the three family members, who died in an auto crash on March 6, on the Kaduna-Abuja highway, held, amidst weeping, wailing and eulogies from family members, friends, colleagues and associates.

Speaking at the funeral service, the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who led the Federal Government's delegation, described the three deceased family members as saints called home by the creator.

“Three saints went home on the 6th of March,” he said and urged Nigerians to imbibe the biblical injunction to give thanks to God in all circumstances.

The VP stressed that although some of the apostles died tragic and painful death, “still the scripture says precious in the sight of God is the death of a saint because their death is victory for heaven.”

Yahaya Bello, Governor of Kogi State, in his speech titled 'The Veil is lifted' described life as a “reality show from which none gets out alive.”

“My dear people, without doubt, this is one harvest of deaths too many for Kogi state.

“After barely any respite from a similar sorrow in the recent past, Kogi mourns again,” he said in reference to the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu on Nov. 22, 2015.

Bello revealed that the late Ocholi cooperated with him when he was elected governor and lamented the horrible circumstances of his death.

Government officials in attendance included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, and the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom.

Story by David Oputah