BENIN CITY – The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday led other top government functionaries to pay last tribute to late Dr. Edward Agbonifo, husband of the Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter and vision-bearer of Family Intercessory Ministries, Pastor (Mrs.) Margaret Agbonifo.
The governor was accompanied by his wife, Betsy; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu; his wife, Maryann; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha and Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun.
Obaseki described the late Agbonifo as a true Edo man and unique Christian who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.
The governor said: “We are here today to celebrate and bid farewell to a very unique Benin and Edo man, as well as a very unique Christian. Here is an African and a Nigerian man who didn’t feel threatened by the success of his wife. Due to his self-confidence, he saw it as his role to promote his wife, ensuring she succeeds in all she does.
“We are here to celebrate one of our own who has sacrificed everything to support the success of the people at all times. I don’t know what I can give to Margaret Agbonifo for what she has done for Edo people, but to support her at this trying time of her life.”
“She is the State chairman of PFN and the only woman in Nigeria to occupy that position. We see her but she has a pillar supporting her, which is her husband. I want to assure her that the pillar propelling her domestically to achieve greatness might be physically gone, but there is a supernatural force which is God Almighty, who will continue propelling her for more success,” Obaseki noted.
Earlier, the wife of the deceased described the late Agbonifo as her editor, English teacher and project director who was never threatened by her success but was rather proud of it.
“My consolation is that you truly served God Almighty and lived for God; I know that you are in a better place with God Almighty.”
