Oghenetejiri Nyerhovwo
All roads from different parts of the country and even beyond led to Uromi in Edo State last Saturday, April 8, 2023 for the burial ceremony of Late Mama Omontesele Agege.
The funeral rites that was conducted according to Christian faith attracted large crowd of people from all walks of life as Uromi became a beehive of activities
Late Mama Agege who passed on at age 89 was an epitome of humility, compassionate, hardworking, loving with a golden heart as was evident from all those she crossed part with while she was alive.
The burial ceremony was more or less a carnival as it was graced with top government functionaries, top and high flying business gurus, people from upstream and downstream sectors of oil and gas industry, the private sector, religious folks, civil service amongst many others, they all came to pay their last respect to a woman of no mean repute and commiserate with her children whom she has raised to become top ranking in their various field of endeavors.
In his tribute, Agege Emmanuel (PhD), first son of Late Mama Agege, said a great woman, Omontesele was born to this earth some 89 years ago with great destiny and she, adding, “you were a great woman with a golden heart for care, sympathy and compassion. You went through some difficult moments but never gave up on us your children when your dear husband, Agege Owede died in a fatal automobile accident exactly 39 years ago, the same day you exited this planet.
He added, “you were a pillar of support to all your children after the death of our father. You were all we had for 39 years after our father left us unannounced that fateful evening. You did not attend any formal school but you stood by me to be trained even when I was written off from formal education.
You laboured for all your children and ensured that none of us suffered the absence of our father. We were still fragile and barely know anything then, you never got remarried because you wanted to ensure you devote your life and time for us.”
He spoke further, “Mom, my beautiful mother, the best mother of all time. I and my younger ones will surely miss you. We would have loved to have you around us for more years but we could not because God’s decision for you was ultimate. Rest on dear and great mother until we meet to part no more at the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on that resurrection morning. Adieu Mama. Good night my beautiful mother.”
In his tribute, the second son, Elder Thomas Agege said, “you were and still the best mother on this planet earth. I cannot forget how you took care of me and my siblings after the death of our father even though it was not easy but you stood by us through that very hard and difficult moment. I love you now and always my dear mother till we meet on the last day at Jesus’ feet. Keep on resting at the bosom of your creator who loves you more. “
Clifford Agege alias Who Know Man has this to say of their late mother , “a lovely and caring mother you were and I know you will still be to me, my brothers and sister. You were always there to advise me and my family. We were always looking forward to seeing you during festive periods like Ihunlan (new year festival) and Christmas. You were in my house during the last Christmas and when you said you were going , I never knew I was not going to have you around in the next Ihunlan and Christmas. I will surely miss your good advice and prayers. “
On his part, Paul Agege aka Alonge added his voice thus, “if it were possible to confront death and make you not to die, I would have done that because you were everything to me and my family. Despite the fact that I gave you so many troubles when I was young, you never gave up on me. You will always come around to see me and my family. You made a lot of sacrifice for me and my family. You are a mother worth more than a million. Rest in Peace my great mother.”
Samson Ehikede Agege said, “my sweet mother, a woman of peace, a mother who will not eat until others have eaten. I am grateful to God that I came to this earth through you. If I have another chance to choose a mother, I will still choose you in the next world. Rest in peace till we meet again on the resurrection morning.”
Mrs. Florence Friday, daughter of late Mama said, “I was told you were sick I rushed down from Lagos to be with you and give you the best care I could while looking forward to when you will be back on your feet but I never knew you will not make it. I watched you took your last breath. Mama, you were everything everyone would need in a mother. I and my family will miss you greatly but I am glad you gave your life to God before you died, so, we will see you again. Adieu Inen. Rest in Peace.”
Innocent Agege Alias Excellent added his voice this way, “Inen, you left me when I needed you most. You were the only one I knew among my parents. I was very young and tender when my father died and you took care of me all by yourself. I thought I was going to show you how much I appreciated you one day but now the great power of death took you away from me. Who can fill the vacancy you have just created? Who will I be running to when I am confused with some situations in life? My mother, you only departed from us physically but your legacy will remain ever green in my mind. Good night my mother.”
A daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mercy Itohan Agege said, “dear mother in law, you were a perfect example of a woman with zeal and courage. You took me as your daughter. Even though you don’t understand English, and I can’t speak Ishan very well, we were able to communicate well to the best of our ability. I will really miss you. Good bye mama”
Stanley, grandson of Late Mama Agege has this to say, “ indeed, there has been no grandmother like you. I found happiness whenever you are around. You took care of me from my infancy till now. Your counsel has been of utmost help to me. You raised me up in God’s fear. Grandma, I will always miss you. You will always be in my heart. I love you dearly grandma.”
Pharm. Ehimanre Agege, another grandson of Late Mama said, “grandma was an amazing woman. A beautiful, neat and sweat grandma. She was kind-hearted and God fearing in all her doings. She was always full of joy, happiness and smiles. She has pleasure in investing into the future of others. She was selfless and generous. I will surely miss you grandma. Rest on till we meet again. “
Precious Agege, grandson said, “grandma was a woman that care less about herself but more for others. She was a good woman with a golden heart. She loved and served God wholeheartedly. A perfect example of a devoted Christian. She was a loving and caring grandmother. A rare gem. Keep resting mama. “
A group, Christ Royal Treasure Voices in their tribute said, “We are already missing our mother who was a committed member of the church. She was lovely, respectful, greet and accept everyone who comes around her as they are. She was a rare woman amongst others. Rest In Peace Mama.”
End
