There was a solemn environment at Otukpo Native Authorities Space of Benue State as members of the family of famend educational, Isawa Elaigwu, a political science professor, gathered to bid him farewell on Friday.
Governor Hyacinth Alia extolled the virtues of the deceased trainer who till his passing was President of the Institute of Governance and Social Analysis, and Professor Emeritus (Political Science), University of Jos.
Mr Elaigwu, 77, handed away on 22 July in Jos, Plateau State.
Tributes pour in
In a condolence message at Mr Elaigwu’s funeral service on Friday, Mr Alia described the deceased as an “illustrious son” of the state and “a tall determine within the educational world.”
He famous that the famed professor of political science made his mark in nation-building by “instructing, analysis, public lectures and publications.”
“We are going to bear in mind him for his integrity, mental brilliance, and dedication to the unity of our nation,” the governor stated.
Equally, the deputy governor of the state, Sam Ode, represented by the Commissioner for Well being and Human Providers, Edeh Ogwuche, stated the deceased left an indelible mark within the academia, “shaping minds and informing insurance policies rooted in justice, fairness and altruism.”
“As a distinguished scholar of political science and worldwide relations, his voice resonated in educational halls, coverage fora, inspiring numerous people to pursue excellence, integrity and repair,” Mr Ode stated.
In his funeral oration, the deputy governor recalled the late scholar’s contributions in bridging the hole between the tiers of presidency, aimed toward deepening federalism.
As Mr Elaigwu’s casket laid on the Isawa Memorial Academy at Otukpo, a highschool he based as image of his legacy in information manufacturing, the immediate-past deputy governor of Benue, Benson Abounu, stated the late educational impressed him and generations of students to pursue their goals.
“We have been trying as much as Professor Elaigwu due to his educational brilliance. He contributed to the event of federalism in Nigeria, significantly through the navy authorities of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida,” he recalled.
The officiating minister on the funeral service, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church in Benue State, Joshua Ngbede, urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of affection and forgiveness which Christ embodied.
The cleric lauded Mr Elaigwu for his lifetime of service and integrity.
He urged mourners and sympathisers on the funeral service to recommit their lives to the promotion of peace and growth of Nigeria.
College students mourn
One of many highlights of the occasion was a rendition by college students of the Isawa Memorial Academy depicting Mr Elaigwu as their hero.
The scholars dressed of their vibrant uniforms, lined the hilly approach to the academy as pallbearers conveyed the stays of the deceased in a brown casket to the funeral grounds.
As Mr Elaigwu’s stays have been being interred within the precinct of the college in accordance with the deceased’s loss of life want, the distraught college students watched from the college balconies, whereas the professor’s grieving kids and family members wept uncontrollably.
The nationwide burial committee of the late Elaigwu, led by Sunday Ochoche, a professor, acquired dignitaries together with Ejembi Eko; a retired Justice of the Supreme Courtroom, Monday Morgan, a retired air vice-marshal, and lecturers from the College of Jos, the place the deceased lived a lot of educational life.
Nights of tributes have been earlier held within the deceased’s honour in Abuja and Jos the place former Nigerian Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and two ex-Senate Presidents – David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu, paid glowing tributes to Professor Elaigwu for the outstanding life he lived.
On the occasion in Abuja, daughter of the deceased, Victoria Elaigwu, described him as an “completed worldwide scholar who mentored a number of youthful students.”
“He taught us the values of exhausting work, integrity, and compassion, main by instance in all the pieces he did. His legacy is one in all patriotism, resilience, kindness and unyielding love.
“We are going to carry his reminiscence in our hearts endlessly,” she stated.
Born in 1948, Mr Elaigwu served as a trainer, researcher and adviser to successive governments in Nigeria.
He was globally recognised for his experience in federalism, political stability, and democratic governance.
Mr Elaigwu was an alumnus of the Ahmadu Bello College, and the College of Stanford.
