Double tragedy was averted on Friday at Ovwor-Olomu, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, when former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon suddenly slumped but was resuscitated during the funeral ceremonies of Major General David Ejoor (rtd).
He was rushed to an exclusive tent by a team of military personnel, where first aid medical attention was dispensed on him before he was chauffeur driven out of the arena.
Gen. Gowon, an octogenarian, was said to have suffered exhaustion, resulting from the brazen heat of the sun and the crowded event after delivering his goodwill speech.
Earlier in his address, the former head of state had described the late Ejoor as “a good soldier and a good family man,” adding that “we served in the Nigerian Army so many years ago and I am delighted with the encomiums poured on the deceased”.
Gen. Gowon said for the late Ejoor, no sacrifice is so big for the peace and unity of the country and urged Nigerians to continue to make sacrifices for the peace and unity of the country.
Also speaking, governors of Delta and Edo States, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Mr Godwin Obaseki made case for a peaceful, united Nigeria.
Governor Okowa in a brief speech, thanked Nigerians of all walks of life for attending the burial ceremony, noting that “we referred to Gen. Ejoor as Daddy because he was a distinguished elder statesman and if we believe in the thoughts that he had, we will have a great nation, a nation that is peaceful and united.”
