Great Ekenhuan Alumni Pay Tribute: Arase Remembered as Patriot and Humble Leader

By Queen Kunde

The Great Ekenhuan Abuja Alumni Association, made up of graduates of Theatre Arts, Fine Arts, and Mass Communication from the University of Benin, has paid glowing tribute to the late former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, describing him as a selfless patriot whose humility and compassion defined his life of service.

Mr. Arase, who passed away in Abuja on August 31, 2025, after a brief illness, was eulogized during a condolence visit to his widow, Mrs. Agharese Arase, by the Association led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Stella Nwabuche.

In a statement signed by the Association’s Head of Media, Mr. Emmanuel Ohiomokhare, Mrs. Nwabuche praised the late Police Chief as “a rare breed” who carried no airs despite the lofty positions he occupied.

“IGP Arase was approachable, compassionate, and down-to-earth. His passing is not just a blow to his family but a national loss. Nigeria has lost a fine officer and an exemplary human being,” she said.

The Association noted his distinguished service as Commissioner of Police, Inspector General, and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, where he was widely respected for diligence, integrity, and fairness. As patron of the Alumni Association, members recalled, he offered wise counsel and unwavering support.

On the condolence visit were High Chief Kingsley Okafor, businessman and National President of the Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers (APCAD); Dele Ahamisi Esq., lawyer and senior official of the National Assembly; Mr. Nnamdi Okosieme, journalist and publisher of Nigerian Shuttle online newspaper; and Mrs. Theodora Obayogie, family therapist and General Secretary of the Association.

Born in Edo State, the late Arase had an illustrious career with the Nigeria Police, serving in various capacities including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Principal Secretary to former IGP Tarfa Balogun, and Assistant Inspector General in the intelligence unit. He retired honourably on June 21, 2016, after decades of meritorious service.

The Alumni Association extended condolences to the Arase family, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians at large, describing him as “a noble son of the nation whose legacy of humility, patriotism, and service will endure.”