By Patrick Ochei
The peaceful agrarian community of Ubulu-Okiti in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, was Saturday 11th November, 2023, agog with sounds and beats as dignitaries from all walks of life graced the burial of the mother in-law of the famous Arc. Kester Ifeadi, who was laid to rest at the Aboloma family compound in Ahaba-Okiti Quarters of the ancient Ubulu Town.
The late Ezinne Helena Aboloma’s funeral ceremony was attended by the creme-de-la-creme of Delta State Government functionaries and private business entities.
The Funeral Mass which was conducted by Monsignor John Ike Aduba on behalf of the Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue took place at the St. James Catholic Church, Ubulu-Okiti, where the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
In his speech, the SSG stated the obvious importance of Government’s presence at the burial by describing the Late Ezinne Aboloma as a mother to all, whose legacies he said, would remain indelible in the memoirs of her loved ones and those she had touched positively while alive.
Emu affirmed that Mama lived a worthy life and deserved the celebration of not just her children and loved ones, but the celebration of most people in Delta State, as a result of the purposeful and virtuous life she lived on earth.
In his homily, Monsignor Aduba gave glory to God for a life well spent, insisting that Mama Aboloma lived a life of service to God and humanity.
He posited that Christians must strive to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by living a life that glorifies God in order to merit an eternal crown of glory; maintaining that it was indeed a celebration of life for Mama, because of how well she lived her life on earth.
It was indeed a society burial as personalities from all walks of life graced the funeral ceremony and reception which followed after, in honour of the 89 years old Late Ezinne Aboloma whose befitting state burial would go down in the memory lane of history.
According to Chief Ifeadi in his well crafted tribute to Mama Aboloma, “I will forever miss you; we will continue to uphold the love and peace you bestowed in all of us. Rest in Peace Mama and God bless your gentle soul.”
The personalities who attended the burial ceremony included; former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, member representing Aniocha South Constituency, Hon. Isaac Anwuzia.
Member representing Oshimili South Constituency, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, member representing Oshimili North Constituency, Hon. Frank Esenwah, State Chairman of PDP, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.
Others are Commissioner for Technical Education, Rt. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi, Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government, Hon. Jude Ugbah, a renowned Realtor, Chief Paul Osaji, CEO of Rain Oil Ltd, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, DG of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah.
Also present are the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Okenmor Tilije, Delta North PDP Chairman, Chief Moses Iduh, renowned legal luminary, Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, a strategic politician, Chief Lawrence Osiegbu, and others too numerous to mention.
