Edeh Mourns Late Local FA Chairman, Commiserates With Family, Football Community

Edeh Mourns Late Local FA Chairman, Commiserates With Family, Football Community

Ibrahim Lateef

The Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Barr. Paul Edeh has commiserated with the family, football community and entire people of Ugbokpo community and Apa Local Government Area (LGA) over the death of Mr Innocent Ochokwunu, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Mr. Innocent who passed on Friday night was the Chairman of the Apa Local Football Council.

Chief Edeh expressed his condolence when he led a delegation to pay a visit to the family of the late Innocent in Ugbokpo, Apa LGA capital on Saturday morning.

The Benue State FA Chairman who first led Innocent's family members and other loved ones to a time of prayer, had made a detour to the Ugbokpo Community, before heading to Gboko where a U17 football tournament was scheduled to kick off. 

While condoling his family and some members of the football community in the area, Barr. Edeh said, "The best we have to do in remembrance of our late brother is to continue to uphold the legacy of his passion and drive for grassroots football development.

"Already, a three-day mourning as a mark of honour for him has been declared. During the kickoff of the U17 tournament in Gboko, we including the players and officials, will all wear a black hand band and observe a minute silence for the deceased and within the three days of mourning, all football-related activities in the state will be at low key."

Recalling his last moments with him a week ago, the State Football Boss said, "This is an irreparable loss. When I saw him last Saturday, he was full of life. This situation is not what we envisage, but we can't question God.

"On behalf of the Benue State Football Association, we commiserate with the Apa football community. The State FA will be part of his burial."

He then enjoined the family to carry the state FA along in the burial plans, "because we will be fully involved. The least we can do is to be with the family at this time and always.

"The moment the burial activities are fixed, we will plan events to further mourn and honour him.

"To all friends and family members, let us rally around his children and give them all the support."

Barr Edeh who was recently conferred a Chieftaincy title by the Paramount Ruler of the Kingdom also met with coaches, players and other football stakeholders within the area.

Responding, Mr Gabriel Ochokwunu, a retired Headmaster and Elder brother to the late Mr Innocent thanked Barr Edeh for being the first to lead a delegation to visit and commiserate with the family immediately after the news of the death was communicated to him

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Apa football council and Chairman of the LGA's Coaches Association, Apostle James Ohepo, while recalling the life and times of the late FA Chairman, commended Barr. Edeh for his prompt visit and encouragement.

Apostle Ohepo said he was together with the late Innocent when he slumped and was later confirmed dead at Ugbokpo General Hospital.