AS preparations for the burial rites of the wife of the Oba of Benin, Oloi Esther Omoyemwense Erediauwa, begins today, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Sunday said it would hold its quarterly medical mission in the state capital where it would render health services to the people in the state in memory of the late queen.

 

    President of the association, Dr Osahon Enabulele, stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Benin monarch over the death of his wife.

 

   Accompanied by both national and state officials of the association, Enabulele said the association would also station medical personnel in relevant points within and outside the palace throughout the duration of the burial to attend to any medical emergencies that may arise. 

 

  “This is one death that pained us because we had very close relationship with her and we cannot forget how she also counselled us when we had our own challenges. She was one in a million who extended love and care to those who came across her.”

 

   He said the quarterly medical mission, which is held in different parts of the state, would give medical attention in various fields to needed persons. A press release from the Benin palace, signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, said the 13-day burial rites would begin today.

 

   Meanwhile, the Commissioner representing Edo State in the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Oladele Bankole-Balogun on his part commended the monarch for maintaining the traditions of the empire that made it a reputable kingdom in African and World history. 

 

  “I have come here today to commiserate with the monarch and the entire African continent. It is difficult for someone like me to console an institution, it is my prayer that Almighty God will console the Benin kingdom, console Edo State, console His Royal Majesty, console Nigeria and, indeed Africa, on the passing of such a monumental person in the life. 

 

  I am in awe to stand before His Royal Majesty of the Great Benin empire, I have come here as a son to commiserate not only with the palace chiefs, not only with the Benin kingdom, not only with the people of this state, not only with people of this country but for those who understand the place of the Benin kingdom in African history, and world history. The good Lord will continue to help this empire, your chiefs, our town, our state and our country,” he said.

 

  On his part, Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, accompanied by top officials of the ministry to the palace, described the death as a loss to the entire state and the country, but urged the Monarch to continuously provide the needed direction for the people.