By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
One of the founding fathers of Kogi state, a renowned medical doctor, a devoted Christian, the Galadima of Lokoja, an entrepreneur and ex-governorship Aspirant, Dr Godwin Ajakpo (70), who died on Friday during a brief illness had premonition about his death.
The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion and Metropolitan Bishop, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, said this in his reaction to the death of the statesman.
The Primate said before his death, the late Ajakpo, who was the founder /Chief Executive Officer of Sauki Private Hospital Abuja,met him few weeks ago and pleaded for a low key for his 70th birthday celebration.
The Bishop, who expressed grief over Ajakpo’s death, however, praised God that the deceased lived his life serving God till the end.
Primate Ndukuba prayed for the soul of the deceased to rest in peace while asking God to console his wife and other members of his, family in this hour of grief.
In his message, the immediate past Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, said Ajakpo’s death was “Mostly regretted”, adding that the deceased was a child of God to the core.
The Reporters gathered that the deceased was a staunch member of Cathedral Church of Advent of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Abuja and a board member of management of Advent Cable Network Nigeria Television (ACNNTV).
The Chairman, Board of Management ACNNTV, Sir Folu Olamiti,said: “We have lost a brother and dependable friend”,noting that Ajakpo’s valuable and intelligent contributions,at board meetings, would be sorely missed.
Olamiti, a one-time Editor of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper, Ibadan, Oyo state prayed that Ajakpo’s soul to find eternal rest.”
Dr Peter Nmadu’s condolence message, through the board Chairman ACNNTV said: “We are all shocked by the passing away of our dear brother and colleague.May the Lord comfort us all and grant his soul eternal rest Amen.”
The Vice Chairman, ACNNTV board, Bishop Blessing Enyindah, who described Ajakpo’s death as the most shocking news of the year, also prayed for his soul to rest in peace.”
Our Correspondent reports that Ajakpo, who marked his 70 years birthday on 11 December 2020,was was one of the forces that fought for creation of Kogi State, a development that became a reality on August 27,1991.
Those who came across the late elder statesman during life time,described him as a teacher of the word who used inspiring sermons to win many souls into God’s kingdom as well as saving lives medically.
According to family ssources, the funeral arrangements for the deceased would be announced later.
