By Okiki Adeduyite
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, Cairo Ojougboh, who reportedly died watching the semi-finals clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday.
Ojougboh once represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives.
According to a source close to the politician, Ojougboh died during the Nigeria vs South Africa match.
“The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to massive heart attack when SA scored,” the source said.
Ojougboh’s family is yet to release a statement confirming his passing.
In the meantime, Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has condoled with the Ojougboh family, the government, and the people of Delta State over the loss.
“It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, who died on Wednesday.
“While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforts his family and urges them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain,” the statement signed by Ngelale read.
Also, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his condolences over the passing of Ojougboh.
In a post on his verified X account, Atiku wrote, “The sudden passing of my close friend, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, deeply saddens me. His love for our country was profound. Cairo was a shining example of patriotism; his dedication to Nigeria was unwavering, and his departure is a personal loss that leaves a void in my heart.
“As we mourn, let us remember the passion and zeal for Nigeria that defined his life. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
