OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO /GODWIN AYOBAMI RACHEL
The remains of Mrs Eunice Ifeajika, mother of Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary (C.P.S) to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State have been laid to rest in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta.
The deceased passed on February 18, 2020 after a brief illness. She was aged 84.
Rev. Fr. Charles Okeke in a homily during the funeral Mass in honour of the deceased at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah urged Christians to always take care of their loved ones while they are alife.
He said that the death of a Christian is a holy passover, he then urged them not to mourn like those who do not have hope.
According to Rev. Fr. Okeke, “when you remember that you played your role when the person was alive you will be comforted so let us do well in taking care of our loved ones while they are alife.”
The cleric added, “as Christians we are like pilgrims on earth and a day like this will come in our lives. When you lose loved ones, they have not passed away, but passed over.”
Dr Okowa who led top government functionaries to the funeral reception, commiserated with the deceased’s family and thanked God for the exemplary life of the deceased.
Chief Fidelis Tilije, Commissioner for Finance , Chief Patrick Ukah, Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Information , Prof. Andy Egwuyenga, Vice Chancellor Delta State University, Professor, Professor Temi Akporonor, Chief David Edevbie,, Chief of Staff Government House, Comrade and Mrs Mike Okeme; Barr. Eugene Uzum, Sir Eddy Gbegbaje, Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol among other top government officials graced the event.
Others include President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Mustapha Isah; Management and staff of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) where is staff before his appointment among others.
In his tribute, Ifeajika said his mother was highly enamoured of peace and good neighbourliness and recalled how she taught him that humility, honesty and responsibility are golden.
According to Mr. Ifeajika, “I learnt from my dear mother that industry, courage, candour, gentleness and discipline are hallmarks of a man. She equally inculcated in us the fear of God, piety and love for one another and that if you spare the rod, you spoil the child. I promise to pass on these virtues of my dear mother.”
He expressed gratitude to the clergy and parishioners for coming to identify with them in their moment of grief.
