People fill church at Lohia’s funeral
By KESSIE TADAP
THE Sione Kami Memeorial church was full with people who came to pay their last respects to the late former ambassador Prof Renagi Lohia (CBE, OBE, PhD) who passed away on Aug 2.
Prof Lohia died from a heart attack while in Cairns, Australia, to treat a kidney ailment.
At the time of his death, he was the vice-chancellor of the newly-established Jubilee University of the Assembly of God (AOG) church.
The funeral service was attended by his family members, relatives, friends, university students and staff and former and current parliamentarians.
Parliamentarians included Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and Lady Veronica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands Dr Puka Temu and former parliamentarian Sir Moi Avei.
Many described the late Prof Lohia as a man full of humility and compassion for people of all walks of life who pursued an ambitious and illustrious career as an educationist, a public servant and a diplomat, holding fast to his faith and loving his country.
Idau Tau, who read the eulogy, said that from a very humble beginning of education at the London Missionary School in Tubuserea, Central province, he graduated from the University of PNG, becoming an educator and a public servant.
Mr Tau said the late Prof Lohia was a robust man who represented his country and chaired many regional and international meetings as an academic and a diplomat.
“Other than the distinguished diplomatic posts he held, he was also the permanent PNG representative to the United Nations,” he added.
Mr Tau said that in recognition of the services he rendered at the UPNG and in the public service, he was awarded medals of Officer of the British Empire in 1982 and Commander of the British Empire in 1994.
Nora Vagi-Brash described Prof Lohia as a man who loved to sing and dance.
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary (operations) Kila Karo said that apart from leading many PNG delegations overseas, the late ambassador made a tremendous contribution towards the diplomatic and foreign offices and trade, especially as permanent PNG representative to the UN.
Mr Karo said this contribution was made possible as Prof Lohia was able to draw from his extensive international expertise and educational background.
Pastor Anthony Donigi, representing the Jubilee University and the AOG church, said the late Prof Lohia helped bring the school to the level of a university, using his vast experience not only as an educator but also as the former vice-chancellor of the UPNG.
Pr Donigi said Prof Lohia was a man of gentle spirit yet strong and confident.
Prof Lohia had contributed to education in PNG through the church, he added.
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