Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of the first Military Administrator of Ebonyi State, Navy Captain Walter Aye Feghabo (Rtd.), from notable Nigerians including Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi.
Navy Captain Feghabo, who died on October 19, 2025, at the age of 69, was appointed the pioneer Military Administrator of Ebonyi State shortly after its creation in 1996. He governed the young state from October 1996 to August 1998 before his redeployment as Military Administrator of Delta State, a position he held until May 1999.
In a statement personally signed by him, Senator Umahi expressed deep sorrow over Feghabo’s passing, describing him as a disciplined leader, patriot, and professional whose legacy remains indelible in Nigeria’s administrative history.
“The life and times of late Navy Captain Feghabo reflected the core values of his professional calling. He shall be remembered for his sense of courage and commitment to the Navy’s core leadership competencies — accomplishing the mission, leading people, leading transformation, working with the people, and resource stewardship,” Umahi stated.
He noted that Feghabo’s tenure as the first Military Administrator of Ebonyi State provided the foundational leadership that inspired growth, direction, and stability for successive administrations. Umahi extended condolences to the deceased’s family, the Nigerian Navy, and the Government and people of Bayelsa State, praying for the repose of his soul.
Similarly, Governor Francis Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, described Feghabo’s death as a “colossal loss to the nation.”
The Governor lauded the late officer’s vision, patriotism, and discipline, noting that he played a defining role in laying the structural and administrative foundation of Ebonyi State.
“When Ebonyi State was created in 1996, Navy Captain Feghabo took up the historic responsibility of giving direction, hope, and administrative structure to a fledgling state emerging from two parent states,” Nwifuru said.
“With courage, foresight, and selflessness, he nurtured the dreams of our founding fathers and set the tone for the development trajectory we are building upon today.”
Governor Nwifuru further praised Feghabo’s humility, passion for national unity, and commitment to public service, describing them as enduring virtues that will continue to inspire future generations of Ebonyi people.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Ebonyi State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and the Nigerian Navy for the loss of this gallant officer, visionary leader, and nation builder,” the Governor said.
