Mike Akhigbe Immortalized in Edo State, Nigeria

Former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe was immortalized on Wednesday in his hometown; Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria.

A statue of the late admiral was unveiled by the present Governor of Edo State, Adam Oshiomole.

During the Governor's speech, he said “Everybody has the opportunity when alive to define how he wants to be remembered, and whether people remember or not, there are things that make it impossible for people to forget.

This road on which we are hosting the event was constructed, along with several other roads, by Admiral Akhigbe in nine months and one can only imagine if he had the privilege to live much longer, how much more he would have done. So, in Akhigbe, we had a leader who remembered that no matter how much privileges he had in life, he needed to give something back to his roots.

“I believe that all of us who are here today would be inspired by what is being done in his honour and to try to remember that we come from somewhere. It is a great honour to be here to unveil this statue in memory of our late brother and leader.”

According to Vanguard, the chairman of the local government was also commended by the Governor for deeming it fit to immortalize the late admiral. An attitude that should be emulated by all including the state government.

“Nothing can be too much for the leadership the late admiral provided us. I want to thank the people of Fugar for remembering their son and to see this crowd this hot afternoon waiting patiently for hours, shows that even in death, Admiral Akhigbe commands the respect of his people. May God bring more development to this community," added the Governor.

The late admiral's son, Mr. Ikhane Akhigbe also had the priviledge to express his gratitude for the honor given to his father by the state and local government.

A memorial mass had earlier been held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in memory the late Chief of General Staff.