Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Friday joined eminent personalities from across Nigeria and in the diaspora to pay tribute in honour of the late Mrs. Patricia Kehinde Akpata.
The Deputy Governor extolled the motherly virtues of the deceased while describing her as a virtuous woman with uncommon qualities.
Shaibu made the remarks when he spoke at a reception held as part of the burial rites in honour of Mrs. Akpata, at the Horatio Event Center, Benin City.
According to him, Mrs. Patricia Akpata lived a great life of service and became a wise counsellor to many families.
“I pay tribute to Mama who lived a virtuous life. I celebrate the life of a quintessential, exemplary mother who impacted positively on her children and community”.
“l commiserate with the famous Akpata family on the passing of their mother. Let me admonish the children and loved ones she left behind to ensure that Mama’s legacy is kept intact”.
The Deputy Governor noted that Mrs. Patricia Akpata devoted a better part of her life to impacting her children and the next generation.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the colourful reception were the Deputy Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Former Governor of Delta State, HE James Onanefe Ibori, Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodio Ogie, Esq and the Publisher of Thisday Newspaper
Others include Edo APC chieftain, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief of Staff to Edo State Government, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusor and Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Ebomhiana Musa.
Late Mrs. Patricia Akpata who passed on at the ripe age of 82 years is survived by children, including Mr. Uyi Akpata, a successful business personality and sports administrator.