Tears streamed uninhibitedly on Friday as relatives, companions, supporters and authorities of the Enugu State Fire Administration accumulated in Igbo-Etiti Neighborhood Government Region to say goodbye to late Fire Official Chigozie Ugwu.
Ugwu perished while battling a late-night fire at the Enugu Motor Spare Parts Market, Coal Camp, with his colleagues.
After a funeral mass at the Maria Assumpta Catholic Parish in Ibule Umuofiagu village, Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State, he was buried in the earth.
Chief Nnia Nwodo, a former Minister and former President General of Ohanaeze Ndgbo, expressed delight at Governor Peter Mbah’s promise to assist the deceased’s family during the funeral.
Nwodo, a well-known supporter of the Labour Party, or LP, movement, stated that Mbah takes a positive approach to the plight of the disadvantaged.
He expressed his appreciation for the Governor’s genuine concern for the family of the deceased Fire Officer.
He revealed that he personally contacted Governor Mbah, who reassured him that the bereaved family would receive substantial support.
“I called Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah over the welfare of the deceased’s family, and he said he has been thinking about what to do to assist the family, and that he intends to see the wife one on one,” he claims.
He cheered the lead representative’s sympathy and readiness to broaden some assistance, refering to it as a demonstration of his commitment to the prosperity of Enugu State occupants.
Barr Emeka Ugwu, the deceased’s older brother, had questioned the government’s efforts to support the family earlier at the event.
He was concerned about the overall system of support for the families of deceased public servants and questioned whether the assistance provided was adequate.
Engr. Okwudiri Danielhaa, Director of the Enugu State Fire Service, reassured the public that the state government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, was committed to protecting Senior Fire Officer Chigozie Ugwu’s family in response to these concerns.
He emphasized that the government was in charge of all burial costs and logistical arrangements, demonstrating Governor Mbah’s commitment to “honoring the memory of a dedicated and dependable public servant who prioritized humanity.” He also said that Gov. Mbah wrote a tribute to the deceased and gave it to the wife.
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has promised to provide the utmost support to the family of Senior Fire Officer Chigozie Ugwu.”
He stated, “He was a dedicated and dependable staff who believed in humanity first.”
