The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Ojo Maduekwe, who passed away recently, as a patriot who displayed uncommon passion and zest in the service of the nation.

In a condolence letter he personally delivered to the wife of the former minister in Abuja on Thursday, Alhaji Mohammed expressed shock and sadness at the sudden passing of the former Minister, “especially because only recently, he was in my office on a friendly visit, looking his usual sprightly and jovial self.”

“There is no doubt that his death is a big loss, not only to his immediate and extended family but to the entire Nigerian nation, which he served so well in many capacities, including as Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation; Minister of Transport; Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as Ambassador to Canada,” he said.

“'Please take solace in the good name he left behind as well as his legacy of service to fatherland,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

On his part, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday said he received the news of the demise of Chief Maduekwe with shock.

Umahi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, noted the worthy contributions of Maduekwe to the growth of democracy in Nigeria when he served as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and after he left very public service.

“His contributions to the growth of democracy in the country through our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, cannot be forgotten by history. He was a pillar in our party; he ensured that the PDP was numero uno in South-East. He was also an ambassador of repute,” Umahi added.

He stated that Maduekwe, who was recently appointed the secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, died “at a critical time when we needed him most.”

The statement further reads: “We were waiting for him to come back from United States where he travelled to so that we can find a way of addressing the misunderstanding in the party but unfortunately he is no more to do that.

“He was a good man and an intelligent person, who can always found a way out of situations. We have lost a great man.

“We are humans and don’t have the right to question God because He created man. Madueke has gone to meet with his creator.

“We pray that his family and other loved ones bear this great loss.”

•Photo shows late Chief Ojo Maduekwe.