At about one o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, thirteenth April 2022, the busy streets of Okene was literarily cold as men and women trooped out in their numbers to attend the funeral rites of the Oyeyani of Ebiraland, Late Engineer Joseph Makoju, who many described as a man of many parts.
The funeral mass which was conducted at the Christ the King Catholic Church Okene, saw the vast auditorium filled to the brim as dignitaries from within and outside Kogi State, Women and youth Groups, Associations, among others throng the venue to pay their last respect.
In a message to the event, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, described Late Engr. Joseph Makoju as a humane personality who has impacted the lives of many positively.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, pointed out that he received the news of the death of Engr. Makoju with a rude shock, stressing that he has contributed hugely to his administration.
He described the deceased as a man who was committed to bringing his experiences, connections and wisdom to bear on issues concerning Kogi State, saying the deceased has left indelible footprints that generations to come will live to remember.
While consoling with the immediate family over the demise of the hero, Governor Bello prayed Allah to grant them the strength to carry on with good legacies of their father.
“I will mention few unique things about our father, he was God fearing, highly placed in the society yet very humble as our late father, Engr. Joseph Makoju
“God is the ultimate judge but it is very clear that Engr. Joseph Makoju has lived a God fearing life here on earth, he loves Kogi State with passion and he is one of most supporting elder statesman so far to my administration even unto death
“He was always ready to assist on all matters that concerns Kogi State and her people, we will miss him but it is heaven’s gain that he has departed this sinful world
“We shall all leave this world one day, may it be that when we leave, our story will not be different from that of Engr. Joseph Makoju who lived an impactful life and left lasting legacies
“My deepest condolences to our mother, his brothers, the seeds God has blessed him with, the Church, Ebira nation, Kogi State, Nigeria and the world at large, may God grant us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”
Speaking at the Funeral Mass, the Parish Priest – Christ the King Catholic Church Okene, Very Reverend Father Ezekiel Awolumate, said Engr. Makoju’s life was a challenge to all human, stressing that his life also was a gospel for all to read.
Very Reverend Father Awolumate noted that man prepares for eternity while on earth, explaining that the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation.
The Clergyman asserted that Late Engr. Makoju lived his life for others, calling on Political office holders and well-to-do individuals to imbibe the virtues of caring for the people.
He noted that death has no time table, calling on the living to always seek to please God in all their ways and as well, impact the society and the lives of others positively at all times.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barrister Omeiza Shadrach Emmanuel, described Late Engineer Joseph Makoju as a man who lived a simple and humble life.
Barrister Emmanuel noted that Late Engineer Joseph Makoju lived a life worthy of emulation, stressing that he has made his mark in the State, Country and the globe, praying God to continue to help his family members to carry on his good legacies.
The Legal Luminary prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
A son of the deceased, Mr. Enesi Makoju, said his father was connected with the masses, served as champion for the less privileged and was as well, dedicated to making the lives of others better.
Mr. Enesi said his late father was selfless in all his dealings with others, stressing that though he had access to all luxuries of life but choose to stay simple.
“My father was not a showman, he connects with the lowest of people, he made friends across board, he was highly intelligent, he was highly dedicated to making the lives of strangers better
“My father has done well even unto the end and his children; we are resolute that we will continue to carry on the good legacies and his grandchildren will do same
“I want to appreciate everyone who travelled from both far and near to attend the burial of our late father, we pray that God will continue to bless and reward all your labor of love in Jesus Name” he said.
Also, the immediate kid-brother of the deceased, Doctor Martins Makoju, described him as the greatest man he ever met on earth, praying God to fill the vacuum left by his elder brother.
Doctor Martins pointed out that his late brother has concern for the lives of others, stressing that he will continue to be remembered for the great impact he has made.
Dignitaries at the funeral include the representative of former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr. Phillip Salawu, Kogi State Head of Service, Mrs. Hannah Odiyo, Alhaji Isah Ozi Salami, Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar AUdu University – Professor Mariam Tenuche, Representatives from Dangote Group of Company, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), among others.
After the interment, the remains of Late Engineer Joseph Makoju was laid to rest at his residence in Karaworo, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State amidst tears.
The 73-year old Late Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju, was born on 13th July 1948 and died 11th April 2022, retired as the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc and is survived by children and many grandchildren.
