The body of the co-pilot of the Bristow helicopter
which crashed in the Lagos Lagoon, Capt. Peter
Kayode Bello, was on Friday interred at the Eyo Ita
axis of the Hawkins Cemetery in Calabar, Cross River
State.
The body was supposed to have been buried on
Thursday, but it was not released from Lagos.
A well-attended funeral mass was held despite the
absence of the body at the St Patrick’s Catholic
Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
In the same vein on Friday, a brief mass was held at
the same church presided over by Rev Fr. Patrick
Cochran after which the burial was held.
Fully represented were the management and staff of
Bristow.
Chief Pilot, E135 Operation, Bristow Africa and
Middle East, Capt D.D Pam, in his tribute, said among
all the First Officer in the Lagos operation, the late
Bello stood out.
Pam said, “Always smartly and neatly dressed, great
composure, very respectful, but very confident, very
sociable and helpful.
“What I remember most were his usual lucid words
of encouragement and support to me with regards to
the Embraer 135 project my team is currently
working on. This is really fascinating and impressive,
considering I am the Chief Pilot and he is a co-pilot.
“I found his words and behaviour very mature and
helpful considering what most people of his age
would normally do or say. He is indeed an icon and
would be greatly missed.” The National President,
Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce,
Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief Bassey Edem,
said the death was a sad and huge devastation to the
family.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s
soul.
Also, the National Secretary, Pharmaceutical Society
of Nigeria, Gbolagade Iyiola, prayed for fortitude for
the family to bear the loss.
The Amoji Ohekpa Ikogor Ogamade family of Yala
Local Government Area, while conveying their
condolences, said it was however gratifying that Bello
passed on with satisfying joy and assurance to meet
with his Lord and maker.
A tribute by Dr. Clement Adagbor Odey on behalf of
the family, said this knowledge should comfort them
in this moment of grief.
