A Funeral Service at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ofuoma, Ughelli North L.G.A., Delta State, in honour of MRS INEDI SAMUEL EYAKIDOGHO AKPOVETa (Nee Ikeberide Emakpose), step mother of Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
In a message centered on the reality of death, the congregation were admonished to recognise the role of God in their lives and commit their time and resources to the service of God and humanity.
The officiating priest Reverend father Gregory Arianegu described the late Mrs Akpoveta as a woman of peace, a unifier and mother to all, adding that her 117 years on earth was a reflection of God’s grace and blessing.
Her body was later Interred at her family compound in Ofuoma.
At a reception for guests at the Ufuoma Secondary School, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori represented by the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Sen. Emmanuel Agwariawodo condoled with the Akpoveta family, and urged them to take solace in the fact that she lived a good life
The Chairman of the DSCHC Board, Dr. Austin Obidi, pioneer DG of the DSCHC, Dr. Ben Nkechika and others who spoke said the late Mrs akpoveta lived a life worthy of emulation, as she was kind, loving, affectionate and dedicated to the service of God, and urged others to take a cue from Dr. Akpoveta and care for their parents, whether biological or not.
Sharing fond memories of his step mother, Dr Isaac Akpoveta expressed gratitude to God for the gift of longevity and good health saying that she would forever be remembered in their hearts.
The service attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, featured bible readings and other rites observed in funeral services.
A Vigil Mass was earlier held at the St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ofuoma, where the Parish priest, Reverend Father enjoined Christians to reflect soberly on their lifestyle, and stay prepared for the coming of the Lord
At a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ufuoma, the Akpoveta family thanked all who stood by them during the period and thanked God for the successful burial rites.
A dedicated member of the catholic church, the late Mrs Akpoveta feat in trading, farming and philanthropy earned her the nickname Ogherimo and Onira Akpeje, meaning mother to all.
She was the head of the women community in Ofuoma and was installed as the “OKPAKO EMETE” of Ofuoma community in the year 2023 where she reigned 2 years before her death.
The burial ceremony was graced by dignitaries including, Former Minister of Niger Delta affairs, Dr. Steve Oru, Member representing Ughelli/Udu Federal constituency in the House of representatives – Hon. Francis Waive, Member DTHA representing Ughelli North constituency 2 – Hon. Barr. Spencer Ohwofa, and his constituency 1 counterpart – Hon. Barr. Matthew Omonade – Member DTHA representing Ughelli North, Council Chairman Ughelli North, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, and Vice chairman Chief Mrs Meg Atanor, Chairman Delta SUBEB Barr. Samuel Mariere and the President General Ughelli Descendants Union UDU, Olorogun Samuel Akpimegi.
Also among the dignitaries were DG, Warri, Uvwie and Environ Development Agency, Okakuro Prince Godwin Ejiyere, Executive Director of Project, DESOPADEC, Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu, Vice chairman Ughelli North Leaders & Elders council – Olorogun Barr. Fred Majemite, Former Deputy speaker DTHA and former SSG – Rt. Hon. Barr. Festus Ovie Agas, Immediate past DG of DSCHC – Dr. Ben Kechika, the Queen 1 of the great Ughelli kingdom as well as the Ughelli council of chiefs led by Chief Miller Uloho.
