By Olivia Obijiaku
The Director of Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Very Rev Fr Peter Ogwuche delivered the homily at the Mass of Wake for late Mr. Peter Orpin at Sacred Heart Parish Wusasa, Friday, 9th February 2024.At the concelebrated Mass which was presided over by Very Rev Prof Joseph Haruna Mamman, the priest detailed Mr. Orpin’s outstanding contributions to the diocesan communication office particularly in relation to the growth of the diocesan publication,
The Olive Branch from its inception. He also solicited support for the bereaved widow and three young children whom the deceased left behind.“Before I became the Director of the Communication, “The director informed. “I heard about Peter Orpin and his active involvement in The Olive Branch.
All the priests appointed by the bishop can testify to the contribution, immense contribution of Peter Orpin in that office.Peter contributed so great in order to make The Olive Branch what it was. Peter had no knowledge about printing but because of his passion, zeal and involvement in The Olive Branch, Peter started picking interest in printing so much so that he became so good and even better than those who were there before him.
From his zeal and from his passion, I learnt that you become perfect in anything you put your heart to.Peter Orpin knew so much about Kastina before Kastina became a diocese – because of The Olive Branch.
He knew so much about Gusau, he knew so much about Sokoto diocese because of The Olive Branch. He knew so much about Kano diocese many parishes especially the major ones in the urban center. Peter can go to Kafanchan and spend days distributing The Olive Branch. He can spend days in Sokoto distributing the Olive Branch.My brothers and sisters, it is that same Peter today we have come to offer this Mass, Mass of the dead. When I heard that Peter was no more, I was shocked. We did the whole printing job for the installation of Bishop Habila Daboh together.
Peter has three children, a boy and two girls. Peter has made his contribution to human population. Peter is not dying single man. He is dying a father and a husband. He died in active duty struggling to provide for this widow and these three children. The second and the last may not remember the face of their father. Please, if there was any way that young man touched you, touched me, I want you to demonstrate that in the life of the family he is living behind.”Late Orpin died in an auto accident on Friday 26th January, 2024 at the age of 42.
He has been buried in Tse Gbajima Mbakough Tsambe Vandeikya LGA, Benue State on Tuesday, 13th February 2024. He will be fondly remembered for his hard work, courage, and dedication to duty.
