A notable family in the Niger Delta on Monday described the death of business magnate, Wilson Ebireri, as sad and painful.

Santa, as his friends and classmates, called him died early hours of Friday, July 12, just five months short of his 71^st birthday.

The family of Ebireri in a statement Monday morning highlighted the late businessman’s sense of humour, extraordinary intelligence and awesome memory.

‘’We are already feeling the exit of Wilson Santa Ebireri  but our consolation is that he lived a good life and left many things to gleam from – all for the betterment of the family’’

The statement released in Sapele by Henry Ovie Ebireri underscored late Wilson Ebireri’s hobbies in reading, music, football and movie.

It described Wilson Ebireri as a rare gem, a visionary leader and defender of family values.

The statement urged the younger generation to take a cue from the ideals that Wilson Ebireri lived for- building a united family.

“As a family head, Wilson Santa Ebireri demonstrated exceptional administrative prowess. The good people of Sapele will certainly miss him. We will certainly miss this quiet and unassuming man on so many fronts” the statement said.

‘’Night of Tributes will take place at Wetland Event Centre, Sapele on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The funeral mass and interment will take place at Ebireri’s Marford Close home on Friday, September 20, 2024’’.

Wilson Santa Ebireri left behind his brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, nieces, wife, children and grandchildren.

‘’Entertainment of guests will take place at Okotie-Eboh Grammar School while a special thanksgiving mass will take place on Sunday, September 22 at St John Paul 11 Catholic Church, New Ogorode Road, Sapele’’ the statement added.