CHRISTIANS and all those entrusted with leadership positions must understand the practical challenges associated with life, leadership and service, and the need for humility, steadfastness and faithfulness in the discharge of responsibilities.
The Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Warri, Rev. Jesse Okoroji Jnr., described the funeral as an occasion not only to mourn the deceased, but also to celebrate a life that had positively impacted those around her.
Okoroji gave the charge on Friday, August 14, in his exhortation, titled, ‘Life’s Practical Challenges to Christians and Office Holders,’ at the funeral service for Felicia Oritseolumewo Arenyeka, mother of the Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Solomon Arenyeka.
The service attracted political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, family members and sympathizers, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; his wife, Tobore; immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa; wife of the Deputy Governor, Catherine Onyeme; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Ede Dafinone; Nicholas Mutu; Francis Waive; and other prominent political and public figures, who gathered to pay their last respect to the deceased and console the Arenyeka family.
Okoroji described the late Arenyeka as “a woman of songs,” saying her life represented beauty, inspiration and positive influence to her family and community.
He used the opportunity to commend Oborevwori for his “remarkable development strides across Delta State,” particularly the transformation of Warri through ongoing urban renewal and infrastructure projects, citing the construction of massive flyovers, bridges and other urban infrastructure, which he said were beginning to give the city a new outlook.
The cleric urged him not to relent in his efforts to reposition Warri and the state for sustainable development and prosperity, even as he also lauded the governor’s intervention on the dilapidated Warri-Sapele-Benin highway, saying such would bring much-needed relief to motorists, commuters and residents who depend on the highway as a major transportation corridor.
Okoroji also commended the governor for the peace in Delta State, praying that the atmosphere of peace, unity and security would continue to prevail across the state.
The late Arenyeka was remembered as a woman whose life and values left lasting impressions on her family and those who encountered her.
