By Onomiguren Agbamu
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commiserated with the Akpoveta family over the passing of their matriarch, Mrs. Inedi Samuel Eyakidogho Akpoveta, describing her as a woman who lived a fulfilled and impactful life.
The burial service for the late Mrs. Akpoveta, mother of the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, took place at the St Benedict Catholic Church Ufuoma, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Governor Oborevwori represented by his Senior Political Adviser, Sen. Emmanuel Agwariawodo urged the family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a long and meaningful life.
In a sermon centred on the inevitability of death, the officiating priest, Reverend Father Gregory Arianegu, urged the congregation to acknowledge the place of God in their lives and devote their time and resources to the service of God and humanity. He described the deceased as a peaceful woman, a unifier and a mother to all, noting that her 117 years on earth reflected God’s grace and blessings.
Reflecting on the life of his mother, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta expressed gratitude to God for granting her longevity and good health, adding that her legacy of compassion and unity would continue to inspire the family.
He used the occasion to intimate the congregation on the achievements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori across the state, especially in their area and urged the people to remain peaceful and supportive to the Governor to enable him do MORE for them.
The body of the late Mrs. Akpoveta was later interred at her family compound in Ofuoma, having observed the traditional street procession to the compound of her family and husband.
At a reception for guests held at Ufuoma Secondary School in Ofuoma, the Chairman of the Board of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Austin Obidi, alongside the immediate past Director-General of the Commission, Dr Ben Nkechika, said the late Mrs. Akpoveta lived a life worthy of emulation.
Also speaking, Member of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Ferguson Onwoh, noted that the deceased was known for her kindness, love and dedication to the service of God and humanity, encouraging others to emulate the example of Dr. Akpoveta in caring for their parents, whether biological or otherwise.
Earlier, a Vigil Mass held at the saint Benedict Catholic Church, where the Parish Priest Reverend father Samuel Omeruo urged Christians to reflect on their lives and remain prepared for the coming of the Lord.
A Thanksgiving Mass later held at the church, was attended by traditional rulers and representatives from within and outside the state, where the Akpoveta family appreciated friends, associates and well-wishers for their support throughout the burial period.
Until her death, the late Mrs. Akpoveta was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and was widely known for her contributions to trading, farming and philanthropy, which earned her the nicknames Ogherimo and Onira Akpeje, meaning “mother to all.”
She also served as the head of the women’s community in Ofuoma and was installed as the Okpako Emete of the community in 2023, a position she held for two years before her passing.
Dignitaries who attended the burial included former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Steve Oru, Member representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Waive, members representing Ughelli North Constituencies 1 and 2 in the state House of Assembly, Mathew Omonade and Spencer Ohwofa.
Others were 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 , Olorogun Samuel Akpimegi; Director-General of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Okakuro Prince Godwin Ejiyere; Executive Director of Projects at the , 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, Festus Ovie Agas.
Traditional rulers and chiefs from the Ughelli Kingdom, including Queen One of the kingdom and members of the Ughelli Council of Chiefs led by Chief Miller Uloho, were also in attendance.
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