By Mimi Chiadikaobi
Community of Okpoama, Bayelsa State was lightened up with dignitaries that travelled from across the globe to pay condolence visit to Dr Ikioye Orutugu, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, over the death of his maternal uncle, Chief Emmanuel Solomon Beredugo Elie.
Elie was born on June 3, 1942 to Grace Tonbio Beredugo and Solomon Fonibiene Beredugo and died on 5th November 5, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
Speaking during the funeral rites on Saturday in Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area , Orutugu urged Nigerian youths to take ownership of their future and never give up on life irrespective of challenges of life faced.
He recalled that growing up, he had a clear vision of what he wants of his life and was very focused and determined of having a very bright future
“I am where am today because I took ownerships of my life and worked very hard for a brighter future.
“Over 40 years ago I made a developmental decision to change the narrative of the area I was born into and embarked on a studious mission.
“I employed hard work, commitment, determination, honesty and patriotism in the development of my self without engagement in sharp practices,”he said.
Orutugu assured the youths that if they toe the right path to life by shunning every practice that could not promote peaceful co-existence and progress that a brighter future is assured.
He attributed all his life success to his late uncle, Elie whom he described as his mentor not only in his personal life but self development in the venture of collecting information, studying,and writing about the past history as an independent historian.
Orutugu said that Elie was a man of notable intellect, very sociable with organisational ability whose influence extended across various spheres of the community’s life.
He said that Elie early years were marked with adversity as he lost his father at the age of 6 but despite the setback and financial lack for formal education, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination from an early age.
Orutugu encouraged the youths to emulate the zeal of Uncle Elie and be committed to self development and professional advancement.
He said that his description of Elie relies on testimonies., documentary evidence and collective memory to reconstruct his life and contributions which show a portrait of a man deeply involved in community development.
Orutugu said that he had his standards six education at Saint Paula’s primary school Okpoama and later earned London General Certificate of Education, a bold statement and urged the people of Okpoama kingdom to sustain community service as Elie did and be guided by his progressive ideals that will resonate within Okpoama kingdom and humanity.
He appealed to the people to uphold community leadership and cultural advocacy which uncle Elie was known for.
The CP said that Elie was married to his first wife of 53 years Naomi Erefahha now late and Bodisere his second wife, saying that the marriage had 18 children and over 30 grand Children, had sister, lady Biodoumonye Comfort Adigio Eseni, in- laws, nieces and nephews including Orutugu.
Speaking on behalf of Associaton of Federal Heads of Establishments in Anambra, Chief Arthur Mbuba, from Federal Ministry of Agriculture Food Security urged the community to emulate the legacies of Elie.
Mbuba said that the testimonies of the community and Orutugu confirmed that late Elie was productive and urged the people to sustain his footprint.
He urged the Police Commissioner in Anambra Command, who is a member of the Association of Federal Heads Establishments to continue to tread on the good footprint left by Elie, his uncle.
Dr Blessing Ogbonna, the Chairperson of the association said that the body came for condolence because Orutugu has displayed rare humility in service and public relations.
Ogbonna said that the deceased life is a huge inspiration to many and called on the people to toe the path of a life that is transformational to build a safe and healthy society.
Mr Emmanuel Muoka, Anambra Commissioner for Public Complaint Commission described death as a must call and urged the public to live a life worthy of emulation.
The burial rites witnessed heavy cultural display, novelty football match between Okpoama kingdom Council of Chiefs and Town kingdom Council of Chiefs all in memory of the deceased a.k.a. COMPLETE.
