The remains of Navy Lt. David Adeyemi Olukayode Sowole, 30, the co-pilot of the helicopter that crashed at Okoroba, Bayelsa State on December 15, were buried yesterday at 11.43 am in Lagos amid tears.
Hundreds of relations, friends and sympathisers, who held back tears during the commendation service at St. Andrew’s Protestants Church, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, betrayed emotions and shed tears as the body of the naval officer was committed to mother earth, notwithstanding that the lead officiating minister, Rev. J.O. Alade, had admonished them against crying.
The ceremonious interment, done in the naval tradition, took place at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Cemetery, Ojo, Lagos.
The funeral was preceded by the presentation of “the most important accomplishment” of the deceased, comprising a Nigerian flag, a cap and a pair of white boots, which were handed over to his next of kin and daughter, nine- month old Teniola, through her mother, Eniola, by Rear Admiral S.E. Ogoige.
It was followed by three gun salute taken by seven naval officers at the grave side.
In a condolence message sent to Eniola and other members of the Sowole family, read by Ogoige, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Dele Ezeoba said the death of the deceased was tragic.
Admiral Ezeoba said Sowole, during his life, was known for his hard work, intelligence and dedication to duty.
“While we in the Nigerian Navy mourn a good officer, we are consoled that he devoted his life to the service of the nation and humanity.
“On behalf of the Nigerian Navy, I sympathised with the wife and family. We pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and pray God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
The commendation service, which had in attendance top echelon of the Nigerian Navy, including Rear Admirals A.O.A. Ikioda and S.E Ogoigi, lasted about 30 minutes, from 10.20 am when the body was brought into the church till 10.48 am when the service ended.
Venerable B.A. Olaniyi read the Bible passage taken from Revelation Chapter 20 Verse 7 to 15. Rev. (Lt. Cdr.) H. Musa gave the sermon.
Reading from Corinthians, Chapter 1, verses 3 and 4, Rev. Musa said he had a three-point message to be delivered to the wife of the deceased, Eniola, the Navy family, the nation as a whole and the political class.
He said God told him to inform the family that He is the only one who can comfort them.
Source: The Nation
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