Fayemi, Uzodinma, others grace Mrs. Akeredolu  mother’s burial                         

By Mary Agidi
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Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, and his counterpart in Imo state, Mr. Hope Uzodinma were among the dignitaries who honoured their Ondo colleague, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to bury his mother-in-law, late Nneoma Dora Anyanwu in Umuikea-Emeabiam, Owerri Imo state at the weekend.

 Nneoma Dora Anyanwu, aged 89, died on Jan 31, 2020 after a brief illness, and was described by the people of her community, relatives, church members, as a role model,  true symbol of a good woman, women mobiliser, human rights activist, and community developer who contributed immensely to the growth of Emeabiam and its environs.

On his part, Governor Akeredolu described her as an effective teacher, responsible mother, compassionate community leader who exuded confidence and firm disposition in dealing with issues and people.

He said: “She was an exemplar, intelligent, resourceful, resilient and understanding. Her life was a lesson in strict adherence to religious tenets. I enjoyed unalloyed love and support from her at crucial moments and at all times. Mama was truly a strong woman of faith and undoubtedly very fair-minded.

“Mama and I bonded together well as true Christians and were united in frowning at anything suggestive of straying away from the fold. I have no regrets, none whatsoever having a polyglot who spoke Yoruba, Igbo and English as my mother indeed”.

Governor Akeredolu, however, appreciated the people of Ondo state who were in Imo for the burial ceremony, saying he was overwhelmed by the honour.

In his testimony, the Chairman of Umuikea-Emeabiam, who coordinated the community’s special lying-in-state, Chief Herbert Igbo, disclosed that such special honour was designed purposely for outstanding personalities, while describing Late Madam Dora as a woman of excellence, reason she was installed as Nneoma(Good Mother), of Emeabiam.

He said: “This is the last respect we give to any leader, man or woman who had performed in the upliftment of this community. Mama Dora was a woman of excellence, she was the pioneer President of the group you see in uniform, (Oganihu Ndom Umuikea).

“She organised the first women group in this community, so, she deserved to be given this honour. She was at the forefront of the training and the psychological know-how that the children in this community need to go to school”.

The Bishop, Diocese of Egbu Owerri, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor,in his sermon during the funeral service at Christ Anglican Church Emeabiam, also affirmed that the deceased played a great role in the development of the church and the community as a whole, saying, her name was written in gold.

Admonishing the congregation with Romans 5:8, the cleric stated that a life lived without Christ was on the wrong side, and enjoined individuals to leave a legacy full of good reports.

Also speaking, Imo state Governor, Mr. Hope Uzodinma noted that there’s time for everything, and that death was inevitable for all, and reminded Christians to be aware of life after death.

He commended Governor Akeredolu for adding value to the community, and assured of his support for Ondo state.

Mrs. Akeredolu, the eldest of the three children of the deceased, who couldn’t hold tears, described the demise of her mother as a rude shock but said she was consoled that she didn’t give them stress of being on a sick bed for a long period before she gave up the ghost.

“It was through my mom that I knew that women could lead; our compound was like a courtyard as all manners of women would come with their problems  for counselling and she loved it.

“I learnt from her that saying it as it is, is a good leadership quality regardless of stepping on people’s toes as long as you are doing it with sincerity of purpose”.

According to Mrs. Akeredolu, her mother was an advocate of zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation as she protected her daughters from being mutilated, and championed the establishment of a secondary school in the community along with other women.

Dignitaries from Ondo state included cabinet members led by the deputy governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, APC members led by the chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin, House of Assembly members led by the Speaker, Hon. David Oleyelogun, Chief Judge, NURTW members, female professional groups, traditional rulers, among others.