How I almost dropped out in primary 3 – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has spoken about his challenges as a young pupil in primary school, saying he almost dropped out of school in primary three if not the support of his late uncle, Omieworio Afeni.

Elder Omieworio Afeni, a younger brother to Jonathan’s mother, Eunice, who died at the age of 87, was buried yesterday at Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State after a funeral service in St. Stephen Anglican Church.

Speaking during the funeral, the former Nigerian leader attributed his academic success to his late uncle, saying he stood by him to continue his education.

He described his late uncle as a person who believed that the right thing should be done, adding that he was caring.

He said, “As Christians we are seen as pilgrims on earth, assigned different roles and responsibilities, while we live in this world from which we shall surely depart once our time is up.

“Even with this consciousness ever present in the minds of mortals, there is always a sense of grief that comes with the death of a loved one, no matter the circumstance or age of his death.

“We will always miss those we love for the memory shared, time spent together, legacy left behind and the lessons learnt from the life and times of the departed.

“My uncle was a good man, forthright, disciplined, honest and very accommodating to family members and all that came in close contact with him,” he said.

The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, appealed to Bayelsa people to show love to one another.