Ibori, Okowa mourn Sunny Okogwu

The Ojise of Asaba and former presidential candidate of the Republican Party of Nigeria (RPN) Chief Sunny has died.

Okogwu was the elder brother of late Maryam Bababgida and President of Black Gold company limited.

Okogwu was said to have died in a hospital in Abuja at about 8:00pm on Saturday.

Our correspondent noticed that the Ship House Residence of Chief Okogwu on Ilorin road, Marafa estate in Kaduna was at its usual calm and serene state.

A security guard in the residence who gave his name as Yunusa Jibrin confirmed the death.

He said: “I have been with him since 1982 and he had treated me like a son even though I am a Muslim. Despite my religion, he never discriminated against me.

“We in Sabon-Gaya Community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State will miss him. He brought development to the community. We will never forget him.”

Senator Shehu Sani described the late Okogwu as an outstanding philanthropist and businessman who had touched the lives of the poor.

A former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, described Okogwu as a totally detribalised Nigerian.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State described Okogwu as a renowned industrialist and philanthropist.