Okowa Pays Condolence To Late Keshi’s Family, Calls For Peaceful Ceremonies

Delta State governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, charged members of his family to take courage as Coach Stephen Keshi starts his final journey to eternity, stressing that he lived a good life.

Governor Okowa gave the charge Thursday when he led members of the State's Executive Council and other top government functionaries to Keshi's residence at Illah, Oshimili North local government area of the state to condole his family.

Receiving the Governor and his team were the late Stephen Keshi's children led by Jennifer, his elder brother, Mr Sylvester Keshi, traditional Chiefs, among others.

According to the governor, “I am here with members of the state executive council, members of House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly to pay our condolences, I do know that the death of a loved one is very painful”.

“Stephen Keshi made his mark not only as a footballer but as a coach, he lived a good life, but, we cannot query God”, Governor Okowa said, adding, “continue to rely on God because, only God can be faithful”.

“Your father lived a good life and he contributed his quota to the development of Nigeria, he was one of our own”, the Governor reiterated, assuring that Stephen Keshi's name would be immortalized.

While disclosing that he was aware of the re-naming of Asaba Township Stadium after the deceased ace footballer who won laurels for the country as the Captain of the Super Eagles and as Coach of the national team, Senator Okowa said the financial situation rocking the country has affected the progress of work at the stadium.

He appealed to the family to be peaceful throughout the burial ceremony, stating that “a befitting burial is when it is peaceful and acceptable to Almighty God, it is not about doing things elaborately”.

Both Miss Jennifer Keshi and Mr Sylvester Keshi who spoke at the occasion thanked Governor Okowa and the government of Delta State for contributing towards a successful burial ceremony.

Miss Keshi emphatically, bemoaned lack of keeping to promises made to her late father by the federal government and his associates.

The remains of late Keshi will be interred on Friday at his residence in Illah.