Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, eulogised the Executive Director, Projects at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Taleb Tebite, describing him as a selfless leader who could discomfort himself to give to the needy.
Speaking at the funeral service held at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, Otor-Iwhreko, Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, Governor Oborevwori said the crowd at the funeral service was an indication of the generosity and selflessness of the deceased.
He urged the family to take solace in the fact that their father, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, who was a member of the State House of Assembly, lived a life of great accomplishments in service to God and humanity.
According to the Governor, “the church is filled up because a man the people loved is dead.
“People die and some people will celebrate their exit but what is more important is what you will be remembered for; the good things you have done.
“We are gathered today to celebrate the life of a truly great man, a great politician, a servant leader, our late brother, Olorogun Taleb Tebite.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief yet we find solace in Psalms 34:18 which says ‘The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit’.
“The late Taleb was a long time political associate, a brother, a true friend, he was a man you can count on, very courageous and driven by the passion to serve.
“He was a true friend who showed unwavering dedication and generous spirit in his political career and in business. His demise is not just a loss to his family, but also to his political associates, friends and business associates across the globe. He will be missed.
“Taleb was selfless and somebody who always wanted to give, he could borrow to give. If you ask him for favour he will go out of his way to assist.
“What are the things we would be remembered for? Let’s re-examine our lives, are we doing the right thing? Because one day when time comes we will enter the casket just as Taleb is lying down here.
“We are all sad because we made all efforts to make him live but there times and seasons and God chose to take him and we cannot question God.
“He lived for 64 years, people have lived for 80 and 90 years and they were not celebrated like this. Let me assure the family that their father lived a good life hence he is being celebrated immensely.
“To the wife and family, when you look at the love people have shown you, you will know that your father lived a good life.”
He urged the family to be comforted in God and called on friends and associates of the deceased to always pray and support the family at all times.
“As we say goodbye to our brother Taleb, I want us to pray that God will continue to comfort his immediate family, relatives and followers to take comfort in knowing that he lived behind a legacy of love and kindness and a memory that will continue to inspire and motivate all of us.
“May the soul of our dearly departed brother rest in peace.”
Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, in his sermon, described the late Tebite as a man who lived for others which was exemplified in his life of service to God and humanity.
He urged Christians to live well and to desire the ways of the Lord to enable them stand firm before God on judgement day.
The Cleric took a swipe on some Federal Government economic policies causing huge pain and hardship on the people, saying any policy that makes life difficult for the people is anti-people.
The late Taleb Tebite who died at 64, hailed from Okpare-Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.