Tears flowed freely on Friday as family members, friends, sympathizers and officials of the Enugu State Fire Service gathered in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area to bid farewell to late Fire Officer Chigozie Ugwu.
DAILY POST recalls that Ugwu lost his life while battling, alongside his colleagues, to quench a late night fire at the Enugu Motor Spare Parts Market, Coal Camp.
He was committed to mother earth after a funeral mass at the Maria Assumpta Catholic Parish in Ibule Umuofiagu village, Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State.
Speaking at the funeral ceremony, Chief Nnia Nwodo, a former Minister and ex-President General of Ohanaeze Ndịgbo, expressed delight over the promise by Governor Peter Mbah to see to the needs of the bereaved family.
Nwodo, who is a prominent supporter of the Labour Party, LP, movement, said Mbah has a good approach towards the plight of those in distress.
He expressed his gratitude towards the Governor’s genuine concern towards the well-being of the late Fire Officer’s family.
He revealed that he personally contacted Governor Mbah, who assured him of providing substantial support to the bereaved family.
According to him, “I called Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah over the welfare of the deceased’s family, and he said he has been thinking of what to do to assist the family, and that he intends to see the wife one on one.”
He applauded the governor’s empathy and willingness to extend a helping hand, citing it as a testament to his dedication to the well-being of Enugu State residents.
Earlier at the event, Barr Emeka Ugwu, an elder brother to the deceased, had expressed doubt regarding the government’s efforts in supporting the family.
He questioned the adequacy of the assistance provided and raised concerns about the overall support system for families of deceased public servants.
In response to these concerns, the Director of Enugu State Fire Service, Engr Okwudiri Daniel Ọhaa, reassured the public that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, was committed to ensuring the welfare of Senior Fire Officer, Chigozie Ugwu’s family.
He emphasised that the government had taken charge of all burial expenses and logistical arrangements, demonstrating Governor Mbah’s dedication to “honouring the memory of a dedicated and reliable public servant who prioritised humanity”, asserting that Gov Mbah personally wrote a tribute to the deceased, which was presented to the wife.
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has assured of giving the family of Senior Fire Officer Chigozie Ugwu maximum support.
“He was a dedicated and reliable staff that believed in humanity first,” he said.
Deceased Fire Officer: Gov Mbah committed to family’s welfare – Nwodo