Youths of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex sociocultural organisation of the Igbo people, are saddened by the demise of the former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The coordinator of the South-South youth wing of Ohanaeze, Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, eulogised Ewhrudjakpo in a statement  on Sunday.

Mr Arthur-Ugwa, who is also the leader of the Unified Non-Natives of Bayelsa, described Mr Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a huge loss.

He described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a mentor, leader and philanthropist who always attended to the needs of the poor, needy, sick, widows, motherless babies and downtrodden.

 “He single-handedly built a church in his village, and he used to celebrate mass  in the chapel inside his private residence in Government House; he is the brain behind the ecumenical centre in Igbogene, where the entire state praises and worships God.

“He deserved to stay alive and continue the good works,” he said.

He condoled with the deceased’s family, the Ofoni federated community and the government and people of Bayelsa, while praying to God to grant him eternal rest.