President Jonathan condoles family of late Pa Odiase

President Goodluck Jonathan commiserates with the family, colleagues, associates and friends of the composer of Nigeria’s National Anthem, Pa Benedict Odiase, who passed away yesterday.

President Jonathan believes that the late police officer, who was the Director of the Nigerian Police Band until he retired in 1992, will always be remembered and honoured whenever the National Anthem which captures the vision of Nigeria as a great nation is played.

As he is mourned, the President urges Pa Odiase’s family, former colleagues in the police and friends across the country to be consoled by the knowledge that the late police officer lived an exemplary life, and in passing on, bequeathed an indelible legacy to the nation which will continue to inspire present and future generations of Nigerians to greater heights of accomplishment.

President Jonathan prays for the peaceful repose of Pa Odiase’s soul.

Dr Reuben Abati Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) June 12, 2013