The late Chief Mrs. Esther Ifeyinwa Okirika Nee Ojuederie popularly known as Adorable Mama, a native of Ovu Kingdom in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, who passed away on August 25, 2025, at the age of 75 years, was laid to eternal rest after a funeral service at the St. James Anglican Church in her hometown, on Friday, September 19, 2025.

The below is a brief biography of the late Chief Mrs. Esther Okirika, wife of the Bolowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West LGA and pioneer chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) as well as advocate for the establishment of the 13 percent Derivation Fund, High Chief Dr. Wellington O. Okirika CON (JP). Excerpts:

Chief Mrs Esther Ifeyinwa Ageghe Okirika (MAAMA), as fondly called by her admirers, was born on June 16th, 1950, at Asaba. Her father was Chief Jighere Buttler Ojuederie(JB) from Okuode Street of Ovu Inland in the present day Ethiope East  LGA of Delta State. Her father, who worked in the then glorious United African Company (UAC), was also a Businessman and President District Customary Court Okurekpo. Her mother was Sarah Asie Odiachi (Nee Chukwurah) of the Great Chukwurah Family of Idumugbe Quarters in Umuonaje Village Asaba in the present Oshimili South LGA of Delta State. Her mother was a teacher's teacher for over 39 years.

Educationally, Esther grew up variously at Asaba, Ubiaja, Lokoja, and Warri. She attended All Saints Primary School, Cable Point Asaba, and Holy Trinity Primary School, Lokoja. She started her secondary education at Anglican Girl's' Grammar School (AGGS) Asaba, but had to transfer to Anglican Girl's Grammer School (AGGS) Ughelli during the Civil War, where she obtained her West African School Certificate.

She obtained her TCII at Nana College Warri in 1976. While teaching, she went to study a special course in education (ACE) 1983-1984 at the University of Ibadan. She also graduated from the University of Benin as a Guardian Counsellor in 1987.

Esther worked briefly at the Warri Local Government Council before going for her TCII. Since then, she has done the only love of her career: TEACHING. She followed her mothers footsteps as the teacher's teacher.

Esther, variously taught at Mowoe primary school, Warri (1976-1984), Hussey College Warri (1984-1988), with a brief period at Cavagina  Primary School, Warri in 1988. She became Assistant Headmistress at Mowoe Primary School Warri (1988-1990) she retained the position at Ojojo Primary School (1990-1995) in 1995 she was confirmed Headmistress a position she held at Omashola Primary School till her retirement from the Teaching Profession.

Esther got married to Chief Wellington Okirika in 1972, and they are blessed with many children and grandchildren, including those who grew up under her comforting guidance. Her beloved husband Wellington cherished her so much that they remain like Bread and Butter despite many years of married life.

Esther was a committed member of Anglican Communion and worshipped at St Andrews Cathedral, Okere Road Warri. She also supported her home Parish St James Anglican Church Oviore-Ovu. She was a Communicant and held various positions of responsibility in the church but suffice to mention a few: Assistant Group Leader Dorcas Group, Member Caring Committee, Member Fund Raising Committee, Member Education Committee, Member Diocesan Women Outreach, Patron Boys Brigade, and Member Rachael Group till her demise.

Esther, through her lifetime, remained humble and a woman of the people. She had, among others, been given the following awards in the course of her service to humanity: God's Vineyard Promoter - Girls Brigade Nigeria, Special Award Soroptimist International, Asaba; Merit Award for Love of Children, Family Unit DBS; Merit Award Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro Cathedral, Area 3 Abuja; Merit Award Institute of Human Resources, Merit Award, Defender of Humanity in Niger Delta By Women of Holy Trinity Anglican Church Awkunanu Enugu, Merit Award YCMA, and Merit Award National Council of Women Society Nigeria.

Esther was also conferred with numerous Chieftaincy titles, including but not limited to the following: Ibe-Ebidou- Ere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Yei-Ebidou- Ere of Seimbiri Kingdom, and Ugo Nwanyi of Akumazi Umuocha Kingdom (September 2008).

In her lifetime, Esther lived a good life and was acknowledged by friends and associates. Do we need  to say more? She is now having a blissful Heavenly rest in eternity.

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