Abuja- The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali, has described the late National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, as a great collector of arts.
The permanent secretary said this at a 10-day art exhibition with the title: `Nostalgia`, organised in honour of the late General at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The exhibition was organised by Igali to enable the public to get a view of the “beautiful works of art“ collected by the late general.
He said: “He was a great collector of arts and our sister – the wife – and children, can acknowledge his collection of art works from everywhere.
“This year, we thought we should come together with a few friends to do an event in honour of Azazi.
“As a decorated four star general, he held very sensitive positions in the military; he became the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff and also the National Security Adviser to President Jonathan.“
The son of the late general, Mr Pelede Azazi, described his father as a great family man and a lover of arts and music.
“Art is not just emotional, mournful representation of your soul, but more of an expression of your heart, mind, body, and soul.
“My father was a man who loved art and music. He would sit with us, listen to music, dance and make us laugh in all sorts of way.
“Even though it’s just two years gone, every time we look back and we think about the man, it brings a smile to our faces. He was a good man,“ he said.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, described the late Azazi as a good friend, who always gave her security tips.
She said: “He was a good friend; we were always sitting close in the council. Anytime I had a problem, I would pull him aside and discuss it with him and he always gave me useful advice.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of his life. And he has been a very good man serving his country, not many people are lucky enough to have that opportunity.“
On his part, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, described the late general as an intelligent military officer who made the country proud.
High ranking military officers, top civil servants and Presidency officials as well as National Assembly members attended the exhibition, where the Bayelsa Government House Choir entertained guests with music.
Various works of art including those by Favour Anamaleze were displayed with Prof. Frank Ugiomoh of the University of Port Harcourt as the coordinator. (NAN)
