Late Apostle Eunice Osagiede's Family Launch Free Transport Services In Edo

By Simeon OSAJIE

To compliment the efforts of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, children of late Apostle Eunice Gordon-Osagiede, has launched a free transport service for school children and the elderly in the state.

The project, named Eunice Gordon-Osagiede School Shuttle (EGOSS), according to the chairman, Free-EGOSS, Pastor Monday Igbinigie said during the last birthday  of late Eunice, with the help of the Holy Spirit, expressed her desire to give to the Edo child free transportation to and from school and the elderly. This, he said  led to the establishment of the free Eunice Gordon-Osagiede School Shuttle (EGOSS).

Speaking to journalist, Pastor Igbinigie emphasized that modalities were put in place to launch the scheme in April 2021 but God decided to call her home.

"In fulfilment of her passionate desire for the Edo child and the elderly, we have decided to fast track the flag off of the programme to celebrate her birthday.

"What she stands for and believes in is assisting the downtrodden irrespective of their tribes or positions, should suffer. 

"So, what you are seeing today, is her pet project, we call it Eunice Gordon-Osagiede School Shuttle (EGOSS). Is free  bus, free ride for all students, primary and secondary and the only condition is that, you be on uniform and as soon as you ate plying and your school falls within the route, we will take you there free of charge.

"Bishop Gordon Osagiede decided to add to it, the elderlies. We feel that they should be supported, this is our own token in supporting them in getting to anywhere they want to go.

"The initiator proposed 20 buses but for now, we have 10 buses. The 10 buses  are going to be plying five routes in Benin metropolis  as from on the 2nd February, 2021 when the school will resume. The routes are Sapele Road, Upper Sokponba, Ikpoba Hill, Ugbowo and Ekewan road for a start and we will send about two buses for each route. It is free.

"While inside the buses, the children would be taught civic education. We will teach them the basic of the Nigerian society and how to maintain good hygiene. There will be television screens inside the buses to teach the children", he said.

Earlier in his speech, Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., hailed the late Apostle Osagiede for achieving the noble feat even in death, noting that it will help in solving the transportation problems faced by students in the state.

He said: "The death of the late Apostle came to us as a rude shock as she died at a time we needed her the most. We are consoled with the fact that she lived a fulfilled life by turning many souls to Christ and preaching the Gospel of hope, peace and unity.

The governor noted that the free bus ride from a church is the first of its kind in the state, adding: “This is a very important decision of the Church as the move will help the state government in solving the transportation problems faced by school pupils and students.”

In his welcome address, Son of the late Apostle and Bishop of the Church, Gordon Ada-Gordon Osagiede (Jr.) commended Governor Obaseki and his wife for their encouragement and support.

 "This project is named Eunice Gordon Osagiede School Shuttle. This dream of over ten years has come to reality. We are happy to be here to see the vision and dream of our leader come to pass,” he noted.

Speaking earlier at the ceremony, Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Edo State Chapter, Pastor Margret Agbonifo, said: “We return all the glory to God for mama's life, which was well spent as no moment of her life was wasted.

"PFN in the State is solidly behind the family and Church as Apostle Eunice Gordon Osagiede believed in the unity of the body of Christ. We equally thank the governor for standing with the family and the Church at these trying times of the late Apostle’s demise,” she said.