Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside eminent political leaders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the state, gathered in Ofuoma community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, to pay their final respects to the late matriarch, Mrs. Inedi Samuel Eyakidogho Akpoveta, whose remarkable life of 117 years was celebrated as one of grace, service, and enduring legacy.
The solemn burial service for the revered mother of the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, was held at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ufuoma, drawing a large congregation of sympathizers who came to honour a woman widely regarded as a pillar of unity and compassion.
Representing Governor Oborevwori at the ceremony, his Senior Political Adviser, Sen. Emmanuel Agwariawodo, conveyed the Governor’s heartfelt condolences to the Akpoveta family.
He urged them to find comfort in the extraordinary life their matriarch lived, describing her passing as the conclusion of a long and meaningful journey marked by impact and fulfilment.
Delivering a sermon centred on the inevitability of death and the eternal call to righteousness, the officiating priest, Reverend Father Gregory Arianegu, reminded the congregation of the need to continually acknowledge God’s place in their lives.
He encouraged them to devote their time, resources, and talents to the service of God and humanity.
According to him, the late Mrs. Akpoveta exemplified a life of peace, unity, and maternal love.
He noted that her 117-year sojourn on earth was a profound testament to God’s grace and abundant blessings.
In an emotional reflection, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta expressed deep gratitude to God for granting his stepmother remarkable longevity and sound health throughout her lifetime.
He described her as a symbol of compassion and unity whose memory and values would continue to inspire the family for generations to come.
Dr. Akpoveta also used the occasion to highlight the developmental strides of Governor Oborevwori across Delta State, particularly in their locality, urging residents to remain peaceful and supportive of the administration in order to enable the Governor to do even more for the people.
Following the church service, the remains of the late matriarch were taken in a traditional street procession through Ofuoma before being laid to rest at her family compound amid prayers, tributes, and cultural rites.
A reception in honour of the departed matriarch was later held at Ufuoma Secondary School, where dignitaries and guests gathered to celebrate her extraordinary life.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Austin Obidi, alongside the Commission’s immediate past Director-General, Dr. Ben Nkechika, described the late Mrs. Akpoveta as a woman whose life and values remain worthy of emulation.
Also speaking, a member of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Ferguson Onwoh, praised the deceased for her kindness, unwavering faith, and dedication to humanity.
He further encouraged families to emulate the example set by Dr. Akpoveta in caring for and honouring their parents, whether biological or otherwise.
Earlier, a vigil mass held at St. Benedict Catholic Church saw the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Samuel Omeruo, urge Christians to live lives of purpose and remain spiritually prepared for the coming of the Lord.
A thanksgiving mass later held at the church attracted traditional rulers and representatives from within and outside Delta State, where members of the Akpoveta family expressed deep appreciation to friends, associates, and well-wishers for their unwavering support throughout the burial period.
Until her passing, Mrs. Inedi Samuel Eyakidogho Akpoveta remained a devoted member of the Catholic Church and a respected figure in her community.
She was widely known for her contributions to trading, farming, and philanthropy, acts of kindness that earned her the revered nicknames Ogherimo and Onira Akpeje, both meaning “mother to all.”
Her leadership within the Ofuoma community was also widely acknowledged.
She served as the head of the women’s community and was installed as the Okpako Emete of Ofuoma in 2023, a position she held with dignity and dedication until her passing.
Among the dignitaries who attended the burial were former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru; Member representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Waive; and members representing Ughelli North Constituencies I and II in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Mathew Omonade and Hon. Spencer Ohwofa.
Others included the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, and his Vice, Chief Mrs. Meg Atanor; Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Barr. Samuel Mariere; President-General of the community, Olorogun Samuel Akpimegi; Director-General of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Okakuro Prince Godwin Ejiyere; Executive Director of Projects at DESOPADEC, Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu; Vice Chairman of the Ughelli North Leaders and Elders Council, Olorogun Barr. Fred Majemite; and former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and former Secretary to the State Government, Olorogun Festus Ovie Agas.
Traditional rulers and chiefs from the Ughelli Kingdom were also present, including Queen One of the Kingdom, alongside members of the Ughelli Council of Chiefs, led by Chief Miller Uloho, who came to honour a matriarch whose life touched countless hearts.
In death, as in life, Mrs. Inedi Akpoveta remains a symbol of unity, resilience, and motherly love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to echo across generations.
