President Muhammadu Buhari has described the late former Principal of Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha, Fr. Tagbo, as a colossus who used his God-given attributes to nurture over 10,000 students at the college where he was principal for over 21 years.

In a condolence letter personally signed by the President and addressed to the Tagbo family, the president referred to the late principal as an icon who has left in a blaze of glory.

The letter further reads: “Fr. Tagbo leaves in a blaze of glory with his footprints indelibly imprinted on the sands of time. He was a cleric, educationist, administrator, disciplinarian, poet, mentor, keen sportsman and indeed many things rolled into one.

“It is remarkable that he taught three state governors, many senators, Judges, seasoned administrators and illustrious Nigerians. It is not out of place, therefore, to have described him as Principal of Principals. He knew about 1,000 students by name and taught both arts and science subjects with equal dexterity. Do they come like this anymore?

“Fr. Tagbo was invested with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, in 2010, an honour that was richly deserved, considering his faithful service to God, man and nation.

“At 87, he takes his well-deserved eternal rest. May the Tagbo family, the CKC family and, indeed, the whole country, be comforted at the passage of this great hero of our times.”

In a tribute personally signed by the President and addressed to the Tagbo family of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Buhari said the late clergyman was indeed an icon.

Part of the programme lined up for the burial ceremony include that many old boys of CKC in all parts of the world would use the occasion of the burial of Fr. Tagbo to converge in the college when his body would lie in state at the Peter Odili Hall in the college on August 3, 2016.

Fr. Tagbo, who died at the age of 87, would be buried on August 4, 2016 after a Mass at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.

•Photo shows late Fr. Tagbo.

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