…Condoles Family, Urhobos, Deltans, Political Allies
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Foremost politician and Executive Director Projects, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Hon. Olorogun Taleb Tebite, has mourned the passage of erudite industrialist and politician, Chief Patrick Okiitakpe of Ekakpamre community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The Late Patrick Okitiakpe was an industrialist of great repute and political father to many and as well a founding leader of the PDP. He died on Monday, January 22, after a brief illness at the age of 86.
Olorogun Tebite in a statement by his Special Assistant, today , recalled the immense contributions of the political colossus and business mogul to the political and socio-economic development of Delta State.
He said that as an industrialist, Okitiakpe founded several companies that provided employment for numerous Urhobo sins and daughters and Deltans and Nigerians in general.
Olorogun Tebite in his statement, noted that the entire Urhobo nation has lost a colossus and an elder statesman.
Tebite who is a political son to the late political icon, described his passing as a monumental loss not only to Ughelli South Local Government Area but to his family, Urhobos, Deltans and Nigeria as a whole.
He noted that the deceased paragon leader impacted positively on all and the society in several ways.
He maintained that the deceased was a well respected elder statesman, an illustrious Deltan, former Governorship aspirant of the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), during the late General Sani Abacha administration.
Tebite said, “I am saddened to hear of the demise of my father and leader, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe. He was an influential leader with piety and empathy for the less- privileged in society.
He commiserated with the family, the Ekakpamre community, the PDP and Urhobo nation over the passing of the renowned elder statesman, industrialist and business icon.