Edo SSG’s brother ‘dies of COVID’

John Ogie, older brother of Osarodion Ogie, secretary to the Edo state government (SSG), has reportedly died of COVID-19 complications.

Chris Nehikhare, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) publicity secretary in Edo, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to NAN, the late Ogie, who was a PDP leader in Egor LGA, was said to have died on Monday in Benin, the state capital.

“Edo PDP mourns the passing of one of its leaders in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Mr John Ogie. The party received the news of the passing of Mr Ogie with shock and sadness,” the statement reads.

“He was a dedicated, loyal and committed member of our great party.

“His counsel and organisational ability was a blessing and added value to the development and growth of the party in not just in Ward 7 where he was a leader, but the whole of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government and by extension, Edo.

“The deceased was snatched by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic on September 6.

“We pray that God will grant the Ogie family, friends, associates, well-wishers and members of PDP Ward 7, Ikpoba-Okha, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“To our respected and amiable Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Osarodion Ogie, who is one of his siblings, we ask him to stay strong in this trying time.

“We must once again take this opportunity to restate the need for all residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.”