By Henry Umoru
ABUJA—FORMER Governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State, has described the former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, late Tayo Akpata, as an astute administrator, who left indelible footprints everywhere he was privileged to serve.

In a condolence message he personally signed in Abuja,   Chief Igbinedion who   expressed his condolences to the Akpata family over the death of their patriarch, Chief Tayo Akpata, the Ima of Benin Kingdom,   described him as a notable educationist, elder statesman.

The former governor in the statement said: “Either as an administrator or educationist or a super civil servant, Chief Akpata discharged his duties excellently. He was a distinguished Mid Westerner,   an illustrious son of Bendel and later, Edo State.”

We will miss his honesty, brilliance and profound sense of   duty. The nation has no doubt lost a great patriot and nationalist of the first order.”

Chief Igbinedion   prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest in His bosom, while noting that the late Akpata family can be proud of the enviable legacies of the deceased.