By MAGNUS EMUJI

A renowned community leader in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, and the first chess player to represent Nigeria at an International event, Chief Dr. Sylvan Olisanye Ebigwei, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Okpanam, with notable personalities eulogising his outstanding contributions to humanity.

The Late Ebigwei, who was a medical doctor, held several national and international positions including that of former Chairman of FIDE Commission on Apartheid in South Africa; first badge international Arbiter, South Saharan Africa; foundational vice president of Africa Chess Federation and later the President of Africa Chess Federation from 1986 to 1989, among others.

At the well-attended burial Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Okpanam, and St. Mulumba playground, where guests were entertained, former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Dr. Chris Ngige; the member representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, among other dignitaries, were also present.

In an interview with newsmen, the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide, Ichie Demian Okeke and Chief Dr. Chris Anyakorah, described the late Ebigwei as the bridge between the Igbo speaking part of Delta State and the five Eastern States.

They said that the deceased was a national figure that needed to be celebrated even in death, adding that he was an icon, an embodiment of wisdom and knowledge that many individuals from all walks of life benefitted from whenever the need arose.

In their various tributes, the Chairman of the Faculty of Family Dentistry, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Dr. Bola Obisesan, and the Faculty Secretary, Dr. Christopher Edeh, stated that the late Dr. Ebigwei's good leadership and mentorship style produced many Fellows, some who were Medical Directors of hospitals and highly skilled consultants within and outside the country.

According to them, the deceased served the faculty meritoriously as a Faculty Secretary and subsequently as the Faculty Chairman, stressing that he would be missed by many, but that his legacies would remain alive in the hearts of many.

The President-General of the apex Association of Anioma Indigenes, Mr. Patrick Nwanze, JP, the Secretary-general of the Association, Prof. Adaobi Ugbomeh and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engr. A.E Anazia in their tributes, stated that it would be difficult to fill the vacuum created by the death of Ebigwei, emphasizing that he was a father and leader of high repute.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-general of Okpanam Youth Organization, Comrade Fidelis Okonma, on behalf of the President-General of the Organization, Comrade Lucky Okolo, noted that the Okolo-led Okpanam Youth Organization had been thrown into grief following the death of Chief Dr. Ebigwei, noting that he was a leader of high repute.

Dr. Olisa Ebigwei, son of the deceased, said that the legacy of his father was that of excellence, compassion and belief in the transformative power of education and service. (Delta State News Bulletin)

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