President Muhammadu Buhari and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa joined other sympathisers to mourn the death of popular gospel artiste, Sammie Okposo.
In different statements Saturday, the two statesmen commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late founder of the popular praise and worship platform, Okposo Praise Party.
Okposo, a native of Ivori-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State reportedly passed on in Lagos Friday morning at the age of 51.
Read also: Gospel singer Sammie Okposo is dead
A movie practitioner, who asked not to be named, said the ‘Welu Welu’ crooner died after a brief illness. The film expert informed that he (Okposo) was getting medical attention after falling ill and was expected to come out strong until he gave up the ghost.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari remembered Okposo for his contributions to the entertainment industry, especially the gospel music genre, and his foray into the Nigerian film industry where he also left his marks.
The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari sympathises with family, friends, and professional associates of renowned gospel singer, Sammie Okposo, whose demise on Friday left many in Nigeria and across the world severely shocked.
“President Buhari commiserates with the Christian community, particularly Okposo’s colleagues in gospel music and the younger generation, who have over the years identified with his elevating style of praise and worship.
“The President notes the unique platform of worship created by Okposo, Okposo Praise Party, his creative contributions to the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, and the inspiring role he played in grooming talents and mentoring them to stardom.
“President Buhari prays for the repose of the musician’s soul, urging the family to find solace in his investments of love.”
In his own condolence message to Okposo’s family yesterday, Governor Okowa, who is also the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, commiserated with the Okposo family and the Isoko people in the state over the passing of their illustrious son.
In the message conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa expressed sadness over the passing of the “Wellu Wellu” crooner, saying that it was a big loss to the deceased’s family, Deltans and lovers of gospel music across the world.
According to him, the passing of the popular gospel artiste is a big blow to music lovers, his family, Ivori-Irri community and Isoko nation, considering his immense talent and outstanding contributions to the growth of gospel music locally and globally.
The governor described the late Okposo as a “gentleman gospel artiste”, who contributed to the growth and development of modern entertainment industry in Nigeria.
He expressed the belief that as one of the scions of the gospel genre of the music industry, Okposo would be greatly missed by his colleagues and fans.
Okowa said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an illustrious son of our state and a great minister in gospel music.
“The news of his death was shocking and it is, indeed, a great loss because he was a valued asset to Deltans and Nigerians, especially as his songs continue to inspire many to worship God.” He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends to bear his exit.
In a statement Friday, Okposo’s family said the deceased was already with Jesus Christ and singing with angels.
The family also said they had taken solace in the realization that the gospel artiste is happy in heaven.
“Sammie slept and went to be with the Lord on the morning of Friday November 25, 2022. We are consoled because we know he is with Jesus singing with the angels,” the statement said, requesting that “the family is allowed to grieve peacefully at this time.”
