The coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has expressed sadness over the death of Lady Janet Okwaraji, mother of late football star, Samuel Okwaraji.
Lady Okwaraji’s death at the age of 83 was announced on Sunday by his eldest son, Patrick Okwaraji.
In a release made available to ABN TV, signed by the President-General and Secretary-General, Hon. Goodluck Egwu Ibem and Comrade Kanice Igwe respectively, COSEYL extolled the contribution of the late Samuel Okwaraji to the development of sports in Nigeria.
While noting that he died in active service when he slumped and died during an international football match between Nigeria and Angola on 12 August 1987 in Lagos, COSEYL called on the federal government, governors of the South East and well-meaning Nigerians to rally round the family at this period of needs.
“We the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the Apex socio-political group in the South-East zone with deep sorrow in our hearts commiserate with the Okwaraji family over the death of the mother of the great football legend of all times Mrs Janet Okwaraji in her home Abakpa Nike, Enugu State.
“We call on the family to take heart over the loss of their beloved mother who did her best to train them up and equip them educationally and otherwise.
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“We thank God who gave her the fortitude the bear the great loss of her son Sam Okwaraji, a football legend and master degree holder in international law from the University of Rome, Italy who slumped and died on the football field during an international football match between Nigeria and Angola on 12 August 1987 in international stadium Surulere, Lagos. That day was indeed a black day for Nigerians who lost a great star doing what he knows how to do best on the football pitch. To endure the loss of a beloved son who was your hope of survival and future for 33 years is not a child’s play. This great woman must have been through a lot before answer the call to meet her maker.
“We call on the Federal Government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburus), the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of South-East governors forum and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief Dave Umahi, the Governor Of Abia State, Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu and the Governor of Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano to as a matter of urgency came to the aid of the Okwaraji family whose son died in active service to his nation 33 years ago.
“It is indeed pertinent to honour persons who contributed immensely towards the growth and development of their fatherland and the late Sam Okwaraji did his best to the development of football in Nigeria and died in active service.
“Honouring and identifying with individuals who have rendered great service to their nation with spur the youths and the younger generation to see the need and benefits of working towards the growth and development of their country. Neglecting people who sacrificed and work hard for their country will spell doom towards the enhancement of the nation.
‘We, therefore, call on the Federal, State governments and well-meaning Nigerians to do their best towards the burial of the mother of late Sam Okwaraji and also ensure that the family is properly taken care of.
“As a country, we have to show the Okwaraji family that the sacrifice of their late beloved son was not in vain by identifying with them in this trying times of pain” the statement read.
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