DELSU Don, Asagba Buries Father

By Daniel Dafe

The burial ceremony of Pa Philip Asagba, father to the newly appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Administration, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Sam Asagba, has held successfully.

The funeral service took place at the weekend at the residence of the deceased in Amukpe, Sapele of Delta State, and thereafter a reception for guests held immediately at an open field in the said vicinity.

Dignitaries present at the auspicious event include the Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Victor Peretomode; Chairman, Governing Council, DELSU, Abraka, Professor Sam Oyovbaire; DVC, Academics, DELSU, Abraka, Professor (Mrs.) Grace Ogwu and Member-elect, Delta State House of Assembly, Sapele Constituency, Chief Felix Anirah.

Others are the Chairman, Sapele Local Government Area, Chief (Hon.) Eugene Inoaghan and Registrar, DELSU, Abraka, Mr. Dan Urhibo.

Speaking to Oasis Magazine (OM) during an exclusive chat, Prof. Asagba, described the event as a success, adding that the weather was kind, as there was no rain and any negative incidence on the road as guests made their way to the venue for the programme.

Responding to the question of why the occasion attracted the crowd that came for the burial ceremony, he said: “Probably it is because of my relationship with them. I relate freely with people and I believe my social nature with all as sundry has been a big factor in the crowd that you are seeing here today.”

According to him, the demise of his father left a vacuum difficult to fill, adding that his late father played the role of both father and mother to him since his mother died when he was young.

He continued: “The news of my father’s death was a big shock and loss to me,” saying that what he will miss most about his father was the love he enjoyed from him while he was alive.”

His words: “My late father’s love for me was constant till when he died. He always took me as a baby and cared about my welfare. He called me all the time to find out how I was fairing. Especially at six o’clock in the morning, he must give me a call and pray for me.”

OM also spoke with the wife of Prof. Asagba, Mrs. Elizabeth Asagba.

She described late Pa Asagba as a calm and kindhearted man, noting that the humility displayed by her husband was inherited from her father-in-law.

“When he was alive, whenever he is around, he was always ready to do all the work and help us. I miss him dearly.”