A large number of Engineers turned out in Benin during the period to pay their last respect to the late sage and father of engineering. The delegation from the National Headquarters, which included the Deputy President, Engr. Otis O. Anyaeji, FNSE and the three Vice Presidents - Engr. Adekunle Mokuolu, FNSE (Membership Services), Engr. Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, FNSE (Corporate Resources & Media) and Engr. Babagana Mohammed, FNSE (Professional Development), was led by the President, Engr. Ademola Isaac Olorunfemi, FNSE. The President’s entourage was further bolstered when Chairmen, EXCO members and other senior Engineers from Benin, Warri, Ekpoma and Asaba Branches of the Society met with the delegation from Abuja at the airport upon arrival.
The President of Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Kashim Abdul Ali, FNSE, mni, Registrar of COREN, Engr. Kamila Maliki, FNSE, mni, Past President Engr. E. J. S. Uujamhan, FNSE, Council members, Engr. Osasugie W. Uzebu, FNSE, Engr. Ali A. Rabiu, FNSE and Engr. Mrs. Valerie Ifueko Agberagba, FNSE, were among several senior Engineers who were all on hand to support the President.
The first assignment of the delegation was an official condolence visit to the Aiwerioba family home where the President commiserated with the family, prayed for the soul of the departed and assured the family of the Society’s support at all times. Afterwards, he presented an official condolence letter, the statutory Benevolent Fund package and an NSE flag which will accompany the corpse as a mark of honour for the Foundation President of the Society. He also signed the condolence register.
The funeral service was held the following day, being Friday, August 8, 2014. It was followed immediately by interment of the remains of the great Engr. Aiwerioba in a special mausoleum prepared for him in his compound at the Ihama Road GRA of Benin City. That was perhaps the moment of truth for most people at the solemn event; tears flowed freely as the sage was being lowered into his tomb, it dawned on all that he was indeed actually gone forever.
And then came the time for tributes. The NSE President opened the door for a flow of tributes from the family and friends that late Aiwerioba left behind. Engr. Olorunfemi, in his tribute, described him as a great man whose exceptional life, in every aspect “exuded characteristics that lend credence to how greatness should be defined…”.
The late Engr. Chief Geoffrey Osatohanmwen Aiwerioba, FNSE, OON, died at the age of 98 years.
May his kind soul rest in peace, Amen.
