By EDEKI IGAFE

The remains of the late Brig.-Gen. Dominic Oneya (rtd), have been laid to rest at his hometown, Ewherhe community, Agbarho, in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta.

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, were among the dignitaries that attended the ceremony on Friday.

The Requiem Mass for the departed General was held at St Jude Catholic Church, Effurun, near Warri South.

Okowa, while speaking at the Mass, said Oneya lived a life worthy of emulation, describing him as an “icon”.

“General Oneya was an icon, he worked hard and served the country at various capacities.

“He was a Military Administrator of Kano and Benue states. He was also the Chairman, Nigeria Football Association (NFA).

“Politically, he was one of our own, he played a wonderful role. He lived a life of love.

“We thank God for the life our departed father, brother and friend lived.

“I pray, on behalf of Delta people and government of the state, that God will continue to encourage the family and fill the gap he left behind.

“May the Almighty God bless his soul in Christ Jesus,” Okowa prayed.

Also, the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Okeoghene Afaregha, who celebrated the Mass, said some people were born to live a longer life while others have short life to live.

“We are touched by the death of our brother. He was a man of faith, a major financier of most of the facilities we are using here. He was a peacemaker.

“At the end of our journey on earth, we shall be judged,” he said.

Afaregha urged people so show love to one and another, noting that love was the greatest wisdom man needed on earth.

“May the mercy of the Almighty God save the soul of our departed brother and others,” Afaregha prayed.

Gen. Farouk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Nigerian Navy, Logistics Command, Oghara, Rear Adm. Sileranda Lassa, described Oneya as a father.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Brig.-Gen. Oneya was a former Military Administrator of Kano state between 1996 and 1998.

He was also reassigned as Military Administrator of Benue state from July 1998 to May 1999.

He was appointed the Chairman, Nigerian Football Association (NFA), now Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), between 2000 and 2002.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included: representative of Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, Sen. James Manager and members of the state House of Assembly.

Oneya was born on May 26, 1948, and died on Aug. 4, 2021, at the age of 73.

The body of the late General was interred at about 1:17 pm. (NAN)

•PHOTO: From right; Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu; Rear Admiral Samaila Lassa and President, Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, at the Funeral Mass for late Brig.-Gen. Dominic Oneya (rtd.), at St. Jude Catholic Church, Effurun, on Friday. PHOTO: JIBUNOR SAMUEL

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