The surviving son of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Oholi, has spoken out about the shocking demise of his parents and brother.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo meets with the Ocholis
Aaron James Ocholi, son of the late James Ocholi, said yesterday that the four children left behind by the late Minister will strive to fulfil their parents’ dream for them.
In a brief emotional remark when Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, visited the family, Aaron said though they missed their parents greatly, they were not hopeless.
He said: “We are not hopeless; we are really proud of the man he was. We’ll continue to pray to God to comfort us. We will not feel dejected. We will strive to become in life what he always wanted us to be and taught us to be. The First Lady also came here yesterday and assured us we are not alone.”
He expressed the gratitude of the family, particularly his siblings, to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President and the nation for their show of love since the death of their parents and brother.
Addressing the children, Prof. Osinbajo described the late Ocholi as a committed Christian and patriot who was always ready to make a sacrifice for the course he believed in.
The Vice President, who arrived at the No 4 Dagash Street residence of the late Minister at 4:45pm, said: “We have lost someone we held in high esteem who was well respected. It is unfortunate that this happened.”
Osinbajo recalled the late Ocholi’s role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accepting to take the position of Deputy National Legal Adviser even when the National Legal Adviser was not a lawyer.
He said such sacrifice and humility will not be in vain. “It is incredible that this happened. You really have to seek God’s comfort,” he told the family.
Signing the condolence register, the Vice President wrote: “My brother learned and spiritual, your memorial will live on and will be source of pride and joy to us all. May the Lord comfort these young children and give us cause to rejoice in them, Amen.”