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By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
Unenurhie community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State was caught in a mixed mood of mourning and festivity recently as the entire community, and the God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), the Church of the living God, said farewell to a dedicated and committed elder in the church and community, late Bro. (Pa) Joseph Obiriene, who died at the age of 105 years.
During an open-air funeral service, held at the Unenurhie Primary School playing field, officiating minister, Bro. J.W.N. Chukwudi, advised the children, family members and others present “to do away with sin,” to enable them live the number of days God assigned to each person.
The minister, who was full of hope of the resurrection of the righteous to eternal life, told the gathering how those that faithfully served Jehovah would rejoice with their late father at the end. He however ended his sermon by offering prayers of long life and abundant blessings for the children, family members and the entire Unenurhie community.
After the service, the church, children, family members and leaders of the Unenurhie community were called upon to present their tributes on the life and times of the late Pa. Obiriene after his biography was read to the gathering by Papa’s eldest son, Bro. Oghenekevwe Obiriene.
Our correspondent said “it was a moment to behold as thousands of people were singing praises of the virtues and godly character of this renowned health officer. Thereafter, the corpse was brought to his compound in a motorcade and dancing procession by the children, GKS members and family members where the body was interred according to GKS practices and doctrines.”
After the interment, a reception was put together by the children and family members for guests at the Unenurhie Primary School playing field. “The merriment and joy amongst the children and invitees knew no bounds as there were over seven musicians and DJs and over four MCs on ground entertaining the audience with all sorts of music and different rip cracking jokes and riddles.”
Expressing heart-felt appreciation and happiness to his friends and guests during the reception, one of Pa Obiriene’s sons, Bro. AjokpaOghene UnlessGod Obiriene, a business mogul said, “Words are not enough to thank all my numerous invitees from far and near. I must thank all my business associates and partners from different parts of the state. In the same way, I want to express my heart-felt appreciations to our community leaders and all the residents of the community that forego all their crowded activities to share this moment with us. They indeed made us proud to be here with us today.
“In the same way, I want to appreciate the central management committee of the God’s Kingdom Society and all GKS members around the country that are present here to participate in the funeral service of our late father. Jehovah will continue to bless them. All my in-laws from Evwreni are mostly welcomed. I appreciate their financial and moral support to me and my lovely wife. And finally to the multitudes of people out there, on behalf of my brothers and sisters and the members of my family, I say thank you for your presence and financial gifts to us. May Jehovah continue to bless all of you in Jesus Christ name.”
According to his biography, late Pa. Joseph Obiriene, who was a retired health officer under the defunct Bendel State, was a committed and dedicated member of the GKS. He joined the God’s Kingdom Society in 1947 in Forcados, Warri and was baptized in 1954.
He was the chairman of God’s Kingdom Society, Evwreni/Unenurhie branch for many years until he finally passed on. He was also the oldest man (Okpako’Orere) of Unenurhie community.
Late Pa. Obiriene is survived by a wife, Sister Rachael Obiriene, nine children, twenty-nine grandchildren, twenty in-laws (immediate and extended families) and other family members. Among the children is Bro. Oghenekevwe Obiriene, the chief dietician of Warri Central Hospital, who is Papa’s eldest son.
