Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and one of his predecessors Chief James Ibori have extended their commiserations to the family of foremost industrialist, businessman and elder statesman, Chief Sony Iwedike Odogwu, who passed on Monday November 5, 2018 .

They also condoled with The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien and the Asaba people on the death of one of their most illustrious sons.

Okowa expressed his sorrow via a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu in Asaba on Tuesday.

It reads: “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs and philanthropist, Chief Sonny Odogwu.

“Governor Okowa extends sincere condolences to members of Odogwu’s family as well as his friends, associates, business partners within and outside Nigeria, and the people of Asaba where he held the traditional title of Ide-Ahaba of Asaba.

“The Governor shares in their pain and sorrow as they mourn the late Chief Sonny Odogwu who was also honoured in his lifetime with the Zik Leadership Award in Business in 1997, the World Bank Group-IMF African Club Prize in Business Leadership in 1998 as Africa’s best businessman and Lifetime Award as an outstanding personality of the decade by The Anioma Professionals Forum in Lagos in 2017.

“The Governor believes that Chief Sonny Odogwu will also be long remembered and honoured as a very generous philanthropist whose US based Non-Governmental Organization; “Africa NGO” supports more than 260 programmers in 27 African countries. In addition about 35 nations on the African continent have benefited from direct “Africa” assistance solely sponsored by Chief Odogwu,”

Chief James Ibori who was governor of Delta State for 8 years described Odogwu as a classy achiever who was among the first generation of Nigerians to challenge expatriates in specialized businesses such as insurance and shipping. A statement by his media adviser, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, described the late Odogwu as Ibori’s adviser-in-chief during his campaign in 1998 and beyond, adding that Odogwu in spite of is wealth and age humbled himself to relate to Ibori as a true friend.