WUKARI, TARABA STATE — Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Taraba State, has mourned the death of his younger brother, Late Ikenya Dantsoho Adi Peter, describing him as a trustworthy brother and a man he was proud of.

Senator Ikenya joined other members of the family, friends, colleagues, political associates and dignitaries at the funeral service held in honour of his late brother, as mourners gathered to pay their final respects and celebrate a life remembered for integrity, hard work, service and commitment to family.

The death of Late Ikenya Dantsoho Adi Peter was described as a deeply painful loss to the family, particularly to his wife, children and siblings who were central to his life.

A Brother Remembered With Pride

For Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, the funeral was not simply a farewell to a family member but an opportunity to honour a younger brother whose life, character and relationship with his family left a lasting impression.

The PDP governorship candidate described his late brother as trustworthy, stressing the pride he had in him as a brother.

The description captures the personal bond between the two siblings and the qualities for which Late Ikenya was remembered by those close to him.

His death, therefore, represents not only the loss of a member of the Ikenya family but also the loss of a trusted companion and younger brother.

A Man of Learning and Professional Achievement

Late Ikenya Dantsoho Adi Peter was born on 12 September 1972 in Nwokyon-Wukari, Taraba State.

He built an impressive educational and professional profile during his lifetime.

He obtained an ND in Agricultural Engineering Technology and an HND in Agricultural Extension and Management from the College of Agriculture, Jalingo.

He later pursued business administration, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Abuja, an MBA with a focus on Human Resource Management from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and an MSc in Business Administration from the same institution.

At the time reflected in his records, he was also pursuing a PhD in Business Administration.

His professional career included service with the Industrial Training Fund, the Ministry of Agriculture, NABECO Nigeria Limited, the Taraba State Teaching Service Board and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority.

At OGFZA, he rose to a position of significant responsibility and served as Head of the Warri Office from 2015 to 2020.

Family Man and Community-Minded Citizen

Beyond his career, Late Ikenya was remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother and friend.

He was married to Mrs. Juliana Peter and was blessed with five children.

The emotional tributes from his wife and children demonstrated the depth of his influence within his family.

His children described him as a source of strength, guidance, love and support, while his wife remembered him as a companion with whom she shared many years, dreams and experiences.

Members of his extended family also described him as generous, kind, supportive and fatherly.

Dignitaries Honour the Late Ikenya

The funeral attracted dignitaries from across Taraba State and beyond.

Among those who attended were the Taraba State PDP Chairman, Hon. Obadiah Bitrus, the party’s State Secretary and other members of the PDP State Executive Committee.

Political leaders, community leaders, friends, colleagues and associates also came from far and near to identify with Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya and the entire family during their period of grief.

Their presence demonstrated the wide circle of people who came to honour Late Ikenya and support his family.

A Painful Loss for the Ikenya Family

The passing of Late Ikenya has left a significant void within the Ikenya family.

For Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, the loss is particularly personal as he mourns a younger brother whom he regarded as trustworthy and of whom he was proud.

The family has, however, drawn strength from the life he lived, the values he demonstrated and the memories he left behind.

The recurring message from the family has been “God knows best” — a declaration of faith and acceptance in the face of a loss they acknowledge they may never fully understand.

As the family begins the difficult journey of living without him, Senator Ikenya and other members of the family are expected to draw comfort from the memories of the years they shared with their beloved brother, husband, father and friend.

Late Ikenya Dantsoho Adi Peter may have departed physically, but his legacy of education, professional service, family devotion, integrity and human relationships remains with those who knew him.

May the soul of Late Ikenya Dantsoho Adi Peter rest in perfect peace.