The remains of the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chief James Eneojo Ocholi, his wife, Fatimah Blessing Ocholi and son, Joshua Ocholi have been laid to rest at his country home in Ogbabede -Abocho in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State amidst tears, encomiums and accolades. The late Minister, wife and son were lowered into their graves at about 1.30 pm shortly after a homily from the Kogi State Chairman of the Christian Association Nigeria, Reverend John Ibenu. In a message titled, “Invitation You cannot not resist,” Reverend Ibenu questioned how prepared people are for the home calling and what legacies they would leave behind to be remembered for, saying the late Minister has lived a fulfilled life.
The Clergy pointed out that death is an invitation which no one can resist whenever it comes, saying every one must prepare because at the appropriate time, it will come one day. The Vice President, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council at the burial ceremony, stated that the passage of Chief James Ocholi SAN, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity is heart rending, stressing that more so as the family lost at the same time his lovely wife Blessing, and their eldest son Joshua, there is no way of adequately expressing their sadness at the great loss. Osinbajo commiserated with the children and family left behind, saying that there is nothing one can say to reduce the pain. “Nothing that we say is going to change the fact they will miss their parents.
But I think that at the end of the day, God himself, the Almighty God Himself, will uphold you and support you. Even if it does not seem so now, He will still give joy.” Osinbajo stated that with death of Ocholi, Nigeria has lost a true patriot, stressing that he was one who we all respected, not just for his personal integrity but also for his humility. Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, stated that, “The deaths on March 6, 2016 of James, the fearless Advocate, Blessing, his inseparable soul mate and Joshua the first-fruit of their loving union, is one of those sudden tragedies that try the hearts and faiths of men. I am yet to come to terms with it. I doubt I ever will. “Without doubt, this is one harvest of deaths too many for Kogi State, which has again lost an illustrious son, a loving wife/mother and one of our youthful prospects in the most horrible circumstances possible.
“Today, after barely any respite from a similar sorrow in the recent past, Kogi State mourns again, greatly. “James was a brother, in more ways than one, and a true Christian too. Though we squared off for our party’s ticket, and passions often ran wild, it was without bitterness. When James was made a Minister while some of us were still in the trenches, he remained gracious. When I emerged Governor, he immediately gave me the highest cooperation. “One thing was of paramount importance to James Ocholi, SAN – the Greatness and Unity of Kogi State.
A statement by Walter H. Capps summarises the position of our late Learned Silk on Nigeria in general and Kogi in particular: ‘We are strongest as a people when we are directed by that which unites us – rather than giving in to the fears, suspicions, innuendoes and paranoia that divide.’ This is the vision that we will continue to pursue,” Bello concluded. Speaking on behalf of Ocholi’s wife’s family, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya Yusuf stated that the family has lost a promising daughter, and that only God can give the family strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Other dignitaries that attended the burial include Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, Senators and House of Representatives Members, Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Othorm, Nasarawa State governor, Tanko Almakura, who was represented by his Deputy, Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Simon Achuba, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Edward Onoja. Political associates, Legal practitioners, Local government Chairmen, All Progressive congress stalwarts and party faithful were also present.
