By Samuel Ogude
The sports Icon, Sir Dr Awoture Aleyae was finally, on Saturday, laid to rest at his country home, Uzere in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. In a church service held on his honour at St Paul’s Anglican Church Uzere , the officiating Bishop, Rt. Revd J.U Aruakpor said Sir Dr. Eleyae led a life worthy of emulation as he did not only excel in his chosen career(sports) but was known to have worked hard in God’s Vineyard and thus impacted positively not only on his children’s lives but the community, the state and the country at large.
Rt. Revd Aruakpor who took his sermon from Matthew 11:29-30 of the Holy Scriptures reminded the congregation that the earth is a temporary place for everyone, adding, one day, man would depart this world and thereafter face judgement.
He charged the congregation to anchor on God to have salvation before they depart this world as there is nothing special in this world. He prayed God to forgive the people and unite Isoko Nation to enjoy the good of the land. His words:’ We should allow God to rule our lives,by the time we depart this world, we shall find solace in the Lord.”
According to the Cleric, late Sir Dr. Eleyae used to ring bell for people to gather for prayers while he was alive saying, now that he is gone to meet his Maker, the bell is ringing again for Isoko Nation to gather for God’s blessings.
He frowned at the disunity of Isoko people who are dividend because of politics adding, for Isoko Nation to move forward, there must be unity. The Cleric also berated the State and Federal Governments which could not participate by way of representatives in the burial of sports Icon who won laurels and made Nigeria proud years ago.
His words:” It is surprising that today, we are burying a man who won several awards and made Nigeria proud, years ago, there is no presence of state and federal governments”. He therefore called on the Isoko Nation to come together to enable them enjoy the good of the land.
In a brief interview, the eldest son, Oke Eleyae said his late father led an exemplary life adding, he did not provide for their upkeep but held on to God in everything he did while he was alive.
According to him, the late father who was born and bred in environment which seemingly has nothing to offer but he(late father) did not allow the environment to deter his progress.
On his part, the youngest son, Dr Oghale Elayae said he learnt his from his late father, apart from how to anchored on God, he learnt to be a good father and patient as nothing good comes easily.
Not left out is the Step -Brother of Sports Icon Awoture Elayae, Pastor Matthew Elayae. He said, Sir Awoture Elayae did not only educate him but built in him the spirit of hard work and being close to God – the attributes with which he is living on today
The trio therefore admonished the youths of the community, the Isoko Nation, state and the country at large to work hard and make life worth it. Sir Dr Awoture Elayae, a University Lecturer to become the pioneer Principal of the first and only sports Training Institute in Nigeria,Sole Administrator of sports in the defund Bendel State and Secretary General of Supreme Council for Sports in Africa burial was attended by the representatives of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Mr. Yussuf Alli , the Commissioner for sports, among others.