President Goodluck Jonathan has mourned the passage of his Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas describing him as a worthy example to youths.
The Complete News had earlier reported that the Presidential aide died in the early hours of the day at the State House Clinic, Abuja of cancer related ailment.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President described the deceased as a worthy and shinning example for Nigerian youths.
He said he would always remember Douglas for his passion for work and outstanding commitment to duties.
The President extended his condolences to the Douglas family and the government and people of Bayelsa State on the death of his aide who he described as one of their most distinguished sons who served his country, state and the Niger Delta region, passionately and diligently, during his very impactful years on earth.
He recalled that the deceased was his personal aide for close to a decade.
The statement read, “The President will always remember him for his passion for work, excellence, inspiring creativity and outstanding commitment to his duties.
“The President remains thankful to God Almighty for the brilliance and resourcefulness that Oronto brought to bear on every assignment as a loyal and dutiful aide during his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State and as Vice President, Acting President and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“President Jonathan believes that Oronto will remain a shining and worthy example for every young Nigerian who seeks a life of service and achievement.
“He prays that Almighty God will grant Oronto’s soul eternal rest, and the Douglas family and everyone who knew him, the fortitude to bear the pain of his death.
“Formal funeral arrangements will be announced by the Douglas family
Likewise, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide and the Ijaw nation, described Douglas’ as a big loss to Ijaw nation.
Spokesman of the IYC, Comrade Eric Omare, in a statement issued in Yenagoa today said Oronto died when his services are needed by Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and Nigeria in general.
He said: “As a founding member of the IYC and member of the collegiate leadership, Oronto was central to the conceptualization of the historic Kaiama Declaration and formation of the IYC in 1998.
“As an environmentalist, Oronto’s efforts together with other Niger-Delta Delta activists brought the deplorable condition and degradation of the Niger-Delta environment to the attention of the international community.
“Oronto died at this critical time when the Ijaw nation needed his services most. This is truly a very testing time for the Ijaw people.
“We commiserate with the Oronto family, the Government and people of Bayelsa State and President Jonathan on the demise of Oronto. Indeed, we are in pains.”
