The Rivers State Government on Wednesday assured that it would give deserving honour to Precious Chimaobi Ofurum, a Rivers indigene who was involved in the unfortunate Anam River boat mishap.
The assurance was given by the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara while addressing members of the State Chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and Nollywood practitioners of the organisation who came to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to show solidarity to their late member and to formally inform the government of the unfortunate incident.
The Governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, said it was their visit that brought to the knowledge of the government that a citizen of the state was among the victims of the unfortunate incident.
He commended the Nollywood practitioners for demonstrating enviable solidarity with one of their own, which suggested that the 26-year-old Precious Chimaobi Ofurum was distinguished among them.
Governor Fubara described the passing of Precious Chimaobi Ofurum on that ill-fated film shooting trip as unfortunate because he was already an exemplary Nigerian who has demonstrated the success any determined person can clinch while remaining in the country.
According to him, “The entire Rivers State extends our condolences to the family. No one can heal the wound better than God. We heard of the sad news, but honestly, I never knew Rivers was involved. So, as I came and heard of the subject of this visit, I was devastated, and the entire people of Rivers State are very sad.
“I want to tell his family that, as sad as it is, you should still draw consolation from this: that your son died a hero. He was one of the greatest heroes that Nigeria has ever produced.
“People of his age are leaving the shores of Nigeria, but he was very proud of Nigeria and remained here to salvage the image of and create a name for Nigeria. I am happy to say Precious Chimaobi Ofurum was our own ambassador in the community of actors.”
Governor Fubara stated that his administration is youth-friendly and would never overlook what it would do for the bereaved family of a Rivers youth who utilised his talent productively.
“The Governor is a development-friendly leader. He is a youth like you. Our governor is one who loves to make the state proud. He is happy when people from the state excel. He will always identify with them. So, even in death, I can assure you that the Governor will do honour to our departed son, Precious Chimaobi Ofurum.”.
In his presentation, the convener of the solidarity visit, Mr Eric Stevenson, said that on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, some actors returning from a movie set were involved in a boat mishap in Asaba, Delta State.
He lamented that Precious Chimaobi Ofurum, a citizen of Rivers State, was among those who died in the incident.
Mr. Stevenson explained that other states have reached out to claim their own and offered support to the families, but regretted that none has come for Precious Chimaobi Ofurum.
He added that it was on the basis of this development that they decided to notify the state government of the visit in order to bring comfort to the bereaved family.
He expressed satisfaction with the governor’s response and hoped that the state government would do the needful very soon.
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