By Abel Johngold
The remains of Ezinne Cecilia Iwehabo Uyaebo, mother-in-law of former Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) and Chairman of UI Ventures, Dr. Kemi Emina the Odi-Ega, were committed to mother earth at Ezi, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday.
The colourful ceremony brought together her children, sons and daughters in-law, relatives, friends and well-wishers who came from near and wide to bid her farewell and pay their last respects.
The burial activities commenced with a Service of Songs at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Westend Asaba, on Monday, 5th December, 2023. This was followed by Christian Wake at Uyaebo’s family Compound at Onukwumi quarter, Ogbe-Ofu village, Ezi.
Ezinne Uyaebo, an educationist lived a life of purpose. She was a teacher who thought in several schools in Delta, Edo and Lagos States, a mother, grandmother and a friend to many. Though her demise came to many as a shock, but Ezinne was indeed a virtuous woman.
She was loved by the people of Ezi town and her sterling straightforward, honest, trustworthiness and kindness distinguished her among her peers in the town.
The Requiem Mass was conducted by the St Catholic Church, Ezi. The Celebrant emphasised that Mrs. Uyaebo transition was to be with her maker –the Almighty.
At the conclusion of the service, the body of Ezinne Cecilia Iwehabo Uyaebo was interred at the Moriah’s family compound, Ezi.
After the interment, there was a reception for guests at Eziuzor Primary School, Ezi. The reception witnessed different cultural display dance steps and songs to the redition of the celebration including the popular ‘Ebu Wonder’ masquerade displayed it’s mystery.
Ezinne Cecilia Uyaebo was survived by many children, sons/daughters in-law, grand-children, brothers and sisters, as well as other relatives and friends who enjoyed unalloyed love and support from her throughout her sojourn on earth.
In a tribute to his mother in- law, Emina described his late mother in law as a disciplinarian and a good mother that cared for all.
He said she was a mother of all mothers in view of her love and kindness to all her children, grandchildren, all her in-laws and the members of her community
Emina prayed to God to give the soul of his late mother- in- law eternal rest.
Ezinne Cecilia Uyaebo passed away on October 20, 2023 at the age of 83.
Other members of UIAA that accompanied their former Worldwide President to the event were Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo, Worldwide President, Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye, immediate past Worldwide President, F. C. Mbadugha, SAN, Worldwide 1st Vice President, Dr. Oyinade Tomori, Worldwide Treasurer amongst other notable UItes from all over the country.
Also in attendance were the immediate past General Manager of Delta Printing Press Company, publisher of the State owned Pointer Newspaper, Mr. Monday Uwagwu, Political Editor, Patrick Nwanze, Prof. Godwin Idjakpor from Delta State University amongst others.