Yesterday afternoon, the body of Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene was finally laid to rest in his eternal Home with his Creator. The ceremony took place in Abraka, Delta State.
Earlier in the day, a Lying-in-State was held followed by a novelty memorial football match played by members of the football fraternity in his honour at the Sapele Township stadium, Sapele.
It was, indeed, a funeral service that exuded much love and was devoid of any rancor amongst his immediate surviving family members – Tina (his wife), Marian, Viviàn, Yomi, Beauty, Faith, Violet and Churchill (his children).
Today (Saturday), a reception will be held for his fans and friends by the family members at the Township Stadium, Sapele.
This is to express profound gratitude and special thanks to all those that supported the family in different ways during this difficult period.
The committee of friends, led by Larry Kubeinje, did a great job. They raised funds amongst themselves as well as from some philanthropic persons and organizations in Delta and Edo States to organise some aspects of the funeral.
I want to publicly and specially acknowledge a few persons whose philanthropy and quiet ( unpublicised) support ensured that Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, (former goalkeeper of the National football team of Nigeria, the Green Eagles, and of several other clubs) did not lack for anything throughout the period of his last medical challenge, and that the family lacked for nothing also during the period of the traditional rites, funeral and reception.
These persons voluntarily rendered their support quietly to ensure that Peter Fregene goes home in style, with dignity, and in a manner befitting a Nigerian football icon who diligently served his country for 15 whole years.
There are, undoubtedly, several other persons that must have made contributions to the family members. For those that contributed with my knowledge, I use this opportunity to acknowledge and thank them very much on behalf of the family:
1. AbdulRahman AbdulRasak (Governor)
2. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (CG)
3. Michael Ajukwu and friends
4. Tony Ojeshina (Engr)
Thank you.
Dr. Olusegun Odegbami MON, OLY, AFNIIA, FNIS