A former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Ika Federal Constituency in Delta State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cairo Ojougboh, is dead.

According to a family source, Ojougboh died on Wednesday night while watching the AFCON 2023 semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa.

He reportedly collapsed as South Africa was awarded a penalty in the later stages of the game at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

The game ended in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory in favour of Nigeria, propelling the Super Eagles to the final of the AFCON 2023 against the host, Cote d’Ivoire.

Ojougboh was also a former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Tinubu mourns Cairo Ojougboh

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday, the President condoled with the Ojougboh family, the government, and the people of Delta State over this tragic loss.

The statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who died on Wednesday.

“Dr. Ojougboh was a member of the House of Representatives (2003–2007) and a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

“President Tinubu condoles with the Ojougboh family, the government, and the people of Delta State over this tragic loss.

“While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforts his family and urges them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain.”

VANGUARD