Governor Otti Attends Burial of Late Naval Officer, Lt. Cmdr. ThankGod Evulobi

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Tuesday, January 21, attended the funeral service of the late Lieutenant Commander (Elder) ThankGod Ikechukwu Evulobi, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Umuihie village, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the state.

Lt. Cmdr. Evulobi passed away at the age of 69. He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy in 1980 and served in various capacities during a distinguished military career spanning 35 years. His final appointment before retirement was as Base Education Officer at the Naval Base, BEECROFT, Apapa, Lagos, a position he held between 2009 and 2011.

Speaking at the funeral service held at Umuihie Primary School, Governor Otti recalled that he met the late naval officer 42 years ago while they were both students at the University of Port Harcourt. He noted that Lt. Cmdr. Evulobi was on study leave at the time, four years after joining the Nigerian Navy.

Governor Otti described death as inevitable, stating that Christians believe people do not die before their time. He paid tribute to the deceased as a humble and disciplined man who remained grounded despite his achievements. According to the Governor, the late officer lived a life of service to God, expressing confidence that God would continue to watch over the family he left behind.

He urged the bereaved family not to grieve without hope, emphasizing that their husband and father lived and died well. The Governor added that the greater challenge lies with the living, who must reflect on their own lives and destinies. He encouraged everyone present to live purposeful lives that would guarantee eternal reward.

Governor Otti was accompanied to the burial ceremony by the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Roland Chinwendu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu; and other government officials.