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By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
It was a celebration of longevity recently, among the Urhobo and Isoko people of Delta State, as late Mama Esther Blackie Idogun, aged 101 years, was laid to rest at her hometown, Agbarha-Otor, the traditional headquarters of Agbarha kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State by her children, family members, the Anglican Church and the entire community.
The funeral service, which was held on Friday October 27, 2023 at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Agabarha-Otor brought together people from various places across the country.
In his sermon during the service, the guest preacher, Ven. V. O. Oghotuama, lauded the virtues and legacies of late Mama Idogun, describing her as a dedicated and committed Christian and a virtuous mother since he knew her many years ago in Iyekuselu District of Edo State where she and her husband sojourned, and then back home in Agbarha Archedeaconry where he again served as Archdeacon years ago.
The man of God concluded his sermon, which he took from the Bible book of Ecclesiastes 9: 10, by advising Mama’s children and all members of the Church to uphold the enduring legacies Mama left behind while still alive, adding that, “nobody can do anything while in the grave.”
The preacher however prayed for the children and family members of late Mama Idogun as they gave thanks to God for the life their mother lived.
After the church service, Late Mama Idogun’s remains were taken in a motorcade to her family compound for interment by the officiating ministers led by the Archdeacon of Agbarha Archedeaconry, Ven. A. O. Olomo Esq., supported by other senior Anglican priests.
Mama’s body was committed to Mother Earth according to the Anglican doctrines as late Mama Esther Blackie Idogun belonged to many societies in the church. She was a staunch member of the AAPS, a member of the Women Guide and finally, a member of the Mother’s Union respectively.
Thereafter, a reception was held for guests at the Ibru College playing field by Mama’s children and family members. It was celebration galore among friends and guests of Mama’s children.
During the reception, one of Mama’s sons, Steve Idogun described his late mother as “a core mentor and traditional teacher” that groomed all her children in the way of the Lord. Steve Idogun however thanked all his friends and guests from different places for wiping tears from his eyes, even though the mother died at a very ripe age.
Another son, Rev. Samuel Idogun, an Abuja-based correspondent of the Urhobo Voice Newspapers had this to say of his late mother, “Words won’t be enough to describe the person of my late mother. She was a mother like no other one. She cared for all of her children and family members. She gave us the best home training, even though she didn’t acquire formal education. I pray that we will live after her enduring legacies.
“Let me at this time, on behalf of my siblings and family members express my heartfelt appreciations to the Anglican Church especially the priests for given our late mother a befitting burial service. I want to also thank all our friends, associations and invited guests that joined us to lay our late mother to rest in peace and love. May God continue to bless them and also grant our departed mother a peaceful rest in the Lord’s bossom.”
In his tribute to late Mama Idogun, ‘Brother Solo,’ as he is popularly called by his people and also a very prominent member of Mama’s family said, “Mama was a mother to us all. A very caring, prayerful and lovely mother. Even when she was above one hundred years, at anytime I visited her, she would still recognize me and call my name.
“When we were growing up in Benin City, if you failed or refused to attend a church service on Sunday, Mama would be very annoyed with you. She taught us the right way to serve God and to also serve humanity. The kind of life I’m living today is as a result of the training she gave to us. May her gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.
Late Mama Esther Blackie Idogun peacefully passed on in the evening of May 18, 2023 at the ripe age of 101 years. She was survived by many children, grand children, great grand children, great great grand children and many family members. Late Mama Idogun was from the families of Omosohwofa of Aghalokpe-Agbarha-Otor community in Ughelli North LGA and Akpisheri of Emevor in Isoko North LGA, both in Delta State.
