Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has identified with the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem at the memorial service for her son late Parker Shepnaan Dongban who passed on last year.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum at St. Peters Claver Church, Demshin in Plateau State yesterday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde sympathised with Dongban-Mensem.
The forum, according to the Oyo governor,identifies with the family at the memorial service.
He said though the loss was painful, the governors recognise the impact made to humanity by the late Parker Shepnaan Dongban within the short period of his sojourn on earth.
He added that his goodwill “will be greatly missed. Even though we remember our son today, we acknowledge that he lived an impactful life.”
Also at the memorial service, Plateau State Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang sympathised with the bereaved family, praying God would comfort them.
He noted that no one could feel what the family had gone through since the untimely demise of the Parker.
He said: “There is not much to say on an occasion like this other than to say, may God continue to comfort you and the family because there is nothing we can do and the only thing is to pray for you.
“Even though one year has passed and we know you have enjoyed the comfort of the Lord, may you continue to enjoy the comfort of the Lord all the way?
“We will continue to pray that God will teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Also at the memorial service were Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang, and former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
The Bishop of Shendam Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Philip Dung admonished the congregation and also prayed for the repose of the soul of Parker while asking God to comfort the family.
He appealed to Nigerian leaders not to abandon the people, particularly those in rural communities who voted them into power but to come up with programs and actions that will cushion the effects of the present hardships being experienced in the country.
Dung drew the attention of governments at various levels to the lack of social amenities such as drinking water, roads, schools, and hospitals in most communities and called for urgent steps to be taken to give the people a sense of hope and belonging.
He applauded the President of the Court of Appeal for her investments in education which, he said, has enabled the less privileged children to have access to schooling.
