Governor Francis Nwifuru has mourned the first military administrator of Ebonyi, Walter Feghabo, describing his death as a colossal loss.

Mr Feghabo was the pioneer military administrator of Ebonyi when it was created on October 1, 1996, by then-dictator Sani Abacha.

Mr Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Mionday Uzor, said Mr Feghabo would be remembered as a man of vision. 

The governor said the deceased’s discipline and uncommon patriotism laid a solid socio-economic and political foundation for Ebonyi. He said these virtues helped guide the state in its infancy.

“Feghabo took the historic responsibility of giving direction, hope, and administrative structure to a fledgling state, emerging from two parent states.

“He nurtured the dreams of our founding fathers with courage, foresight, and selflessness, which set the tone for the developmental trajectory we are building upon presently.

“The deceased ‘s commitment to public service and passion for national unity stand as enduring legacies that continue to inspire generations of Ebonyi people, including myself,” the governor explained.

Mr Nwifuru noted that the story of Ebonyi’s progress could not be told without acknowledging Mr Feghabo ‘s pioneering sacrifices and statesmanship.

“I, on behalf of the government and people of Ebonyi, extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and people of Bayelsa, including the Nigerian Navy.

“We mourn the loss of this gallant officer, visionary leader, nation builder, and of course, one of our grandfathers,” the governor stated. 

(NAN)