Governor Willie Obiano has extended condolences to former Anambra State Governor, Senator Chris Ngige on the death of his father, Ozo Akunnia Pius Okonkwo Ngige, saying it was a loss for the state as a whole.

In a condolence message to the Ngige family, Chief Obiano said that the death of their patriarch at the ripe age of 105 did not dilute the fact of their bereavement. Describing the deceased as a man of noble mind and uncommon teacher in the school of life, he urged the Ngige family to reconcile themselves to the vacuum attendant on his departure.

Parts of the message read: ‘There is always the sobering effect of the loss of human life. The death of someone close to us brings with it a certain feeling of hollowness and inevitably, searching questions about the purpose of earthly life. The age of your deceased father does not diminish the fact of your bereavement.

“We share with the Ngige family the loss of your patriarch. When we encounter a learned man, we want to know the kind of books he read. In the same vein, we want to know the mentor[s] of a great man. This is why we pay homage to the late Pius Ngige under whose formation you acquired the traits that saw you to greatness.The good memories of your exemplary public service to the State and the nation at large are therefore tributes to the parenthood that nurtured you.

“Thus, we honour the life of a man of noble spirit, an uncommon teacher in the complex school of life, a humanist, silent achiever and community leader. Longevity is a special blessing reserved only for a few so know he was a man favoured by God.

“In the fullness of God’s mercy and love, late Pius has not died. Let us keep alive his legacies as he transits to the eternal realm to rest from his labours.”

•Photo shows late Pa Pius Ngige.