Described as "an exceptional wife to her (late) husband, loving mother to her children, and a committed woman to her community", the remains of the Late Mama Omereyon Uyatede Nee Gafede was conveyed to her hometown, Azama Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Area of Delta State, for funeral rites on Friday, February 9, 2024. She was 105 years.

The final journey to her resting place began 8am at the Ame Specialist Hospital in Warri where family members were joined by other sympathisers to escort her remains to Miller Waterfront near NPA. On arrival, the casket was placed in a decorated barge vessel for onward conveyance to the venue of the funeral rites.

On board the vessel to entertain the massive crowd was Prince Smally Okpe and his Izon music band who provided music all the way from Warri to Azama. Also on board the vessel are members of the Gbaramatu Ibe Gbolei led by its chairman, Rev. Amb. Dr. Johnson Bibogha (JP) among other leaders.

It was indeed a celebration of life for those on board the vessel as many of them took to the floor of the vessel in showcasing their beautiful Ijaw dance steps as they tried to give Mama a befitting burial the best they can.

At the age of 105 years, the Late Mama Omereyon Uyatede Nee Gafede "lived a fulfilled life till old age" as expressed by her first child and daughter in her tributes, Mrs. Abu Mamah, adding further that "I love you Mama and I will miss you so much, to God be the glory!"

Her children and many who knew her testified of her goodness. It was such that her brief Biography demonstrated this fact when it began with the following words: “As literature would describe her as a woman of love, the journey of life begins at birth anf truncate at death. My mother's life is the story of love and devotion. She came, lived a fulfilled life and left at the ripe age of 105 years.”

Continuing, her Biography stated, "Mama Omereyon Uyatede was born into the family of Late Gafede of Aruku Quarters of Azama town and Late Mama Erinsw Sukunu of Ogeh Quarters in Kunukunuma town, both of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West of Delta State, Nigeria, in the year 1919 at Uburu-Kiran.

"Mama was not privilege to go to school but she was very good in doing business as she engaged in buying and selling of household goods, drinks, and wrappers (cloth) etc. and also fishing as it was the major occupation in Ijaw land.

"Married to Papa Uyatede Markson of Elei Quarters of Okerenkoko community. She was married and living in her husband's compound even after the death of her loving husband a long time ago, till her last day on Earth. She refused to go back to her father's compound even at her old age.

"She is a mother of five lovely children, 34 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild among whom are lawyers, accountants, pastors, doctor, engineers, etc.

“Late Mama Omereyon Uyatede later gave her life to Christ and got baptised in Church of God Mission at Tebujor. There she lived serving God faithfully until her last day.”

The vessel conveying Mama's remains berthed at Azama community in the early evening and was escorted to the venue for the funeral service and social night wake-keep ceremony before she would be laid to eternal rest.

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