The remains of Elder Edward Akighir Ayado, father of The Voice Newspaper’s Editor, Mr. Solomon Saaondo Ayado, were laid to rest on Thursday according to Christian rites in his hometown, Mbaingbiantsor, Mbagbera, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
Elder Ayado, who died on May 21, 2025, at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness, was a devoted Christian of the Roman Catholic faith and a staff member of the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA). He rose through the ranks and retired as Principal Area Education Officer I.
The funeral service, which preceded the interment, was held at St. Williams Rectory Ugye, Vandeikya Deanery, Catholic Diocese of Gboko. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Isaac Terwase Karshima acknowledged the deceased’s contributions to the Church and community, urging sympathizers to use his death as a time for reflection and to amend their ways.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nyitar, representing the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, described Elder Ayado as a good man and encouraged sympathizers to live good lives while on earth. Various dignitaries, including the District Head of Mbagbera, Chief Emmanuel Baaki; Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende; and representatives from The Voice Newspaper, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and other groups, paid tribute to the deceased, describing his death as a great loss to the community and state.
The renowned educationalist is survived by his wife, Mrs. Blessing Ashipinen Ayado; six children; eleven grandchildren; and many other relatives.
