Ikwulono: Benue govt offers scholarship to late health commissioner’s children

Benue State Government is to take over sponsorship of children of late Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Saleh Emmanuel Ikwulono up to university level.

Governor Samuel Ortom who announced this today in Obagaji, Agatu Local Government Area at the funeral of the deceased, said the late Commissioner’s children deserved academic support.

The Governor stated that Dr Ikwulono was a brilliant man who became a medical consultant at a relatively young age and had instant impact as a member of the State Executive Council.

Governor Ortom, on behalf of the State Government, prayed God to grant the departed Health Commissioner eternal rest and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Deputy Governor, Engineer Benson Abounu described the death of Dr. Ikwulono as devastating and touching, saying the deceased was intelligent, committed and ready to learn fast.

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba said the deceased left for medical attention with expectations from his family and colleagues that he would return hale and hearty, describing the death as quite painful.

House of Representatives member for Agatu, Hon. Godday Samuel in a funeral oration said the deceased was one of their very best who struggled against all odds to attain greatness, saying he was intelligent and humble.

Chairman Central Planning Committee for the burial and Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, said heading the burial committee was one of the most difficult assignments he had ever handled, saying the young Ikwulono came into the State Executive Council full of hope, commitment to serve.

Others who gave funeral orations amid emotions included the State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Sir John Ngbede and Attorney General and Commissioner for justice, Barrister Michael Gusa.

Dr Ikwulono died at the age of 43.