Anglican Bishop of Benin Diocese of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Peter Imasuen, has advised Nigerians to look on to God for permanent solutions to the current socioeconomic challenges nationwide in humility.
Imasuen gave the advice in a sermon in honour of the late pioneer Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) Josiah Lily Ojo, at the St. James Cathedral Church Akpakpa road on Friday in Benin, Edo.
The Cleric, who took his text from first Thessolonian 4;13-18, urged Nigerians to worry less with societal problems but to emulate Christ who was humble and selfless in his service to humanity.
He said since the pursuit of material wealth was mostly vanity when ” we die but those who sleep in the Lord will surely gain back all the lost while being humble in the service to humanity on earth.”
Imasuen, who eulogised the late C-G’s lifestyle and service to humanity, urged the congregation and family members to emulate his virtues and keep his legacies alive.
He commended C-G Haliru Nababa and officers and men of the NCoS for the gallantry in ensuring that inmates were kadequately kept behind the walls while being reformed to become better persons to themselves and society.
He prayed for their wellbeing and urged them not to falter in their confidence in the face of the daunting challenge especially with the current financial crisis.
In a tribute, Nababa, described late Ojo as exemplary and charismatic leader who positively impacted his generation.
Represented at the Church by his Deputy in charge of Health and Welfare, Tunde Ladipo, Nababa, said the late retired C-G’s charismatic and dedication to duty were amazing.
Nababa, who .described the late Ojo as one of the NCoS’s finest officers, ..said “Ojo was exemplary in hard work, charismatic and dedicated to duty with an amazing sense of humour.
” His administrative dexterity was unique hence, the ease in midwifing a change in the appellation of the head of the organisation from Director of Prisons to Controller General of the Nigerian Prisons Service.
” The late CG played a significant role in laying the foundation for the virile and professional Correctional Service that we are proud of today.
” His track record of service to God and humanity remains a legacy for all to emulate.
” He will be greatly missed by NCoS because of his fatherly counsel that has continuously helped in guilding and sharping the experience of those of us coming behind him.
“Though death is an inevitable end for all mortals and only God can determine when and how it will happen. We however find solace in God who is sovereign over life and death.
” As we wish our iconic leader a peaceful rest in the bossom of the Lord, we remain grateful to God Almighty for granting him a well- endowed and fulfilled life.”
The body of the late CG was interred at his GRA residence in Benin, preceded by a parade by officers of the NCoS Edo State Command with a 21-gun salute.
The late Ojo enlisted into the defunct Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) as an ASP on March 2, 1965, and rose to the apex position as its Director on June 1, 1990 .
The late Ojo later became pioneer C-G when it was reorganised on Oct.1, 1992 until his retirement in 1994.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo conferred on late Ojo the prestigious award of Officer of Order Of the Niger on Nov. 16, 2000.
The late Ojo, who hailed from Ujoelen-Ekpoma,,was born on Nov.20 1931 and died 2021. He was 90 .
