Dr Anthony Ojarikre and family members going round to greet those who joined them to bid late Mama Anne Blacky Oniebruta Ojarikre on Friday
By Samuel Ogude
It was the gathering of Who and Who at Oviri Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State on Friday as Late Mama Anne Blacky Oniebruta Ojarikre was finally laid to rest.
Speaking to Bailout Magazine, the eldest son, Dr Anthony Ojarikre said the late mother lived a life worthy of emulation. According to him, before the demise of his mother, she took great care of them in all areas. She was not only a humble and successful business woman who traded at Ogbe-Ijoh and Igbudu Market in Warri, but was resilient to the success of the family.
His words:”My late mother is the kind of a mother anybody should have. She lived an exemplary life- a life worthy of emulation and l pray all of us in the family would build on the good legacy she left behind “According to Dr Ojarikre, despite the fact that late mother was old(98 years) before she passed on, they would still feel her absence in the family. His words:” Her exit created big vacuum in the family and l pray we would be able to fill it.”
In a special tribute, titled:” Much More Than Gold, Dr Ojarikre described the late mother’s love for them as peerless and golden. Part of the tributes reads:” Mother, your love was peerless, pure, selfless and golden. Even when your children had their own means of livelihood, you were still there for them in times of need. You were loving, caring, comfortable and supportive to all. You were a praying mother”.
Dr Anthony Ojarikre after a successful laying of his late mother to rest on Friday
On her part, the daughter, Stella Tanrien described her mother as one in a million. Stella who expressed her deep feelings through tributes said:” You took very good care of your children. You were always there for us. We never asked before you gave. You were a motherly provider. You made sure your children never lacked. Even when we were grown and working, you were still providing for us. In my next world, I would still want to have you as a mother. We love you but God loves you more.”
The grandson, Humphrey Omohwo Obadjere did not fail to express his love for the late grandmother. He said, he lacked words to express his love for his late grandmother.
In his tributes he said: “Ecclesiastes 3:2. A time to be born and a time to die. Mama, you have lived a fulfilled and an exemplary life, a life worthy of emulation and Our Maker has decided to call you to the world beyond according to his own will. He gaveth and He taketh at His own will and as painful as it is, we can’t question Him. Rest in His bossom”
The tributes from the children, grandchildren, inlaws and extended family, were re-affirmed by others who spoke to Bailout Magazine. They said late Mama Anne Blacky Oniebruta Ojarikre lived a successful life as she cared for whoever came across her and wished her well as she meets her Maker-God.
L-R: Comrade Samuel Ogude,Dr Peter Omoko, Dr Anthony Ojarikre, & Comrade Emephia Andy – Some Executive and members of Association of Nigeria Authors, Delta State Chapter who joined Dr Anthony Ojarikre and family members to bid late Mama farewell on Friday
The funeral ceremony was attended by people from all walks of life including, some Executive and members of Association of Nigeria Authors(ANA),Delta State Chapter, where Dr Anthony Ojarikre is a stakeholder. They are: Dr. Peter Omoko(Chairman), Dr Chukwuma Boniface, Anyawun(Vice Chairman), Comrade Emephia Andy( Public Relations Officer, Mr Samuel Ogude(member) and others.