…says Edo people are proud of his Epic qualities
Governor Godwin Obaseki has celebrated the life and times of the Patriarch of the Abebe Family, late Dr. Christopher Abebe (OFR), describing him as one who embodied traits that stood him out as not just a true son of Edo State, but one with an Epic Edo character.
Obaseki who was in Iruekpen, on Sunday, to commiserate with the Abebe family on the passing of their patriarch in the company of some members of his cabinet, said Dr. Abebe impacted many lives in Nigeria and played a critical role in the development of the nation.
He said late Dr. Abebe was a true Christian during his lifetime, noting that his life was a model for many people.
The governor noted that despite the challenges he faced in life, late Abebe was able to overcome them all and make something out of nothing in life. “Papa Abebe, with just standard six education, worked hard to gain the trust of his employers and was able to get to the apex in life,” Obaseki said.
He said late Dr. Abebe was disciplined, honest, dedicated and committed to what he did, adding, “We will continue to remember him with pride and admiration.”
Obaseki assured the family that his administration will continue to support them in their trying time.
Eldest son of the deceased, Dr. John Abebe, thanked the governor and his entourage for finding time to grieve with the family. He said his late father lived a life of charity, as he continued to donate to individuals and organisations.
“I thought I was good at charity, but my discovery of Papa’s charity work shows I am nowhere near him. Papa, who retired in the 1980s, gave to charity from his little pension, ” Dr. John Abebe said.
The late Abebe was the first Nigerian Chairman/ Managing Director of United African Company Nigeria Limited and  the first Nigerian chairman of Nigerian Breweries.
The father of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, was at various times the Pro-chancellor of the University of Benin, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Calabar.
