…as multitude turned out to witness burial
The Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, his Deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau and the Secretary to Government of the State, have joined the family of former Deputy Governor, John Lazarus Yoriyo, to mourn the death of his son, Mr Johnson John Lazarus Yoriyo.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that prior to his demise Late Lazarus was a Superintendent of Immigration.
The deceased died at the age of 42 and was buried at their family compound in Putoki, Balanga LGA after a funeral service was conducted at ECWA One, Putoki.
Late Superintendent of Immigration, Johnson John Lazarus, left behind his wife Mercy and three children, mother Mrs Halima John Yoriyo and many relations.
The governor was represented at the funeral by a delegation led by Jatau, his deputy.
Delivering the condolence message on behalf of the governor, Njodi conveyed the heartfelt sympathy of the government of Gombe State over the unfortunate death of Mr. Johnson at the prime age of 42.
He said, “While death is inevitable on all mortals, it is the wish of every parent to be buried by their children and not the other way round. For Mr. Johnson to be buried by his parents is very painful and I urge you to accept God’s judgment as final and the best for the family.
“Late Mr Johnson had been a promising young man since his school days and his shortlived career as an immigration officer. He had been very committed to his family, community and humanity. These are virtues to be emulated by all.”
Delivering his sermon, the clergy man took his text from the Book of Revelation Chapter 21 verses 1-8 where he reminded the gathering on inevitability of death and judgement.
Preaching on the topic; “Remember your eternal destiny” the Clergyman stressed that the earth and everything in it shall vanished and the Kingdom of God will be established but the ungodly who are practicing immorality, idolatry, liars and other vices shall have their eternal destiny in hell fire, while the godly shall dwell with God in eternal joy devoid of death or pain.
He called on all the living to know that the life humans have is a breath of God and it lasts only for a while, urging them to make good use of it by living a godly lifestyle in preparation for their eternity.
Speaking in turns, the Representatives of Gombe Awake advocacy Group, Barrister Victor Laima, Immigration Service, Rev. Isuwa Sabo Adamu, family, Mr. Samuel Yoriyo, and wife of the deceased, Mrs Mercy Johnson, described the death as very shocking, sudden and a painful separation.
They said the deceased was a very caring, humble and friendly person who died with unfulfilled dream and whose demise created a vacuum that can hardly be filled.
Speaking on behalf of the church, the representatives of ECWA Goodnews Apo Estate, Abuja, Mr Lamido Innocent, where the deceased worshipped while alive, ECWA Church Number One Bolari, Gombe, Rev.John Kanwa Newgrow, where the parents are worshipping, and the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Gombe Chapter Rev. father, Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, sympathised with the family over the death of their son, admonishing them to mourn not as unbelievers in line with Biblical provisions, since they know that, God who gave him to them has taken him to himself.
The Bala Waja, Alh. Danjuma Muhammadu said his chiefdom has been bereaved by the death of a promising young man whom they were looking up to as one of the greatest potentials that would have excelled in his career.
He said, “We find solace in God who never differentiate old or young and He alone has power over matters of life and death,” praying God to comfort the immediate family and the entire chiefdom.
In his vote of thanks, the former Deputy Governor, and father of the deceased Yoriyo, appreciated the government and all dignitaries for identifying with them in their moment of grief.
He told the gathering that as a family they have accepted the death as the fate of the family, trusting in God for comfort and guidance to the family the deceased left behind.
He used the opportunity to call on leaders and who are well to do to show love to humanity, especially in this period of hardship, pointing out that they should be mindful about their accountability before God.
The funeral programme attracted politicians, philanthropist, religious and traditional leaders among others to show their last respect and heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s office)
