At the climax, it was an ocean of tears as families and friends say their last goodbyes to late Madam Caroline Okuku Gbenewei (Nee Zibimoghan) at the Christian funeral rites that held in Oporoza Town, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in honour of a woman whose years on Earth was dotted with a great determination to excel against the oddities in life.

The funeral service, anchored by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Holy Ghost Vineyard Zonal Headquarters Parish in Oporoza under the headship of Pastor Augustine Omoaregba, was well attended by family members, friends, church ministers and members as well as other sympathisers of the deceased.

Earlier on Thursday, the corpse of  the late Madam Caroline was conveyed by family members and friends from the Vennell Hospital morgue in Warri to her hometown via Miller Waterfront near the Nigerian Ports Authority (N.P.A).

Among other chain of activities including a dance by the children and in-laws of the late Madam Caroline as part of paying their last respect, the funeral ceremony featured worship and praise, singing of hymns, Bible readings, rendering of tributes and presentation of biography.

As contained in her biography, the late Madam Caroline was "born in 1954 as Okuku Seiwei into the family of late Pa. Edward Seiwei Zibimoghan and late Mama Duwode, both from communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom. She was the first child and daughter amongst her siblings. In her formative years, she exhibited the character of a truly intelligent, diligent, dedicated, and hardworking child who ardently and devotedly supported her parents in their fishing occupation.

"Though, as with the case of many young girls during the time, Madam Caroline who was fondly referred to as ‘Mum’ by her children, was deprived of formal education. However, that did not tint her very strong desire to acquire one. She eventually did attain basic capacity to read and write via attending Adult Education.

"Growing up, ‘Mum’ spent most of her years with her late aunt (her father’s eldest sister) who she reverenced highly. Under her aunt’s guidance, young Madam Caroline developed into an honest, empathic, affectionate and hardworking lady. While still supporting her family’s means of livelihood – fishing, signs of Mum’s resourcefulness shone brightly and in no time she delved into trading as a means of generating income, selling perishable food items, plastic wares, and other commodities, to further assist her family. Mum was an amiable soul and was fondly loved and admired by her peers.

"Driven by her ambition and desire to gain formal education, Mum started conceiving the idea of relocating to the urban cities where such opportunities were more available and accessible. In 1971, she met and married Sir (Chief) Clark Gbenewei, who was then a military officer with the Nigerian Army, and thus relocated to Lagos State in South-Western Nigeria to start a family and build a home. While in Lagos, she was actively involved in the local Izon-Ibe community and highly supportive of the group’s cause.

"Her marriage is blessed with two children, and in furtherance, grandchildren. With an unquenching desire to gain skills and self-improve, Mum focused on acquiring a vocational skill in tailoring and dress-making, and successfully built a thriving business in the garment-making industry, which she operated for decades. During this time, she inspired, mentored and developed several protégés who learnt the art of tailoring under her tutelage and went on to become established entrepreneurs in the sector.

"As a dedicated and supportive wife, Mum jugged several income-earning ventures including trading and farming, while still heavily invested in tailoring. Through these ventures she was able to manage the home effectively especially at periods where her husband would be away for several months on military courses in the call of duty.

"Mum was many great things; however, friends and family would vouch that Mum was a devout Christian and lover of God, a disciplinarian, a great manager of people and resources, and an advocate of peace and tranquility. She was kind, considerate and caring, filled with empathy and a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.

"Mum was opinionated in several societal matters, yet apolitical and non-tribalistic. She was open to all and sundry irrespective of creed, colour, political or ethnic affiliations. She was always ever ready to support a just cause, lending helping hands to persons in need. For these, she was popular in her residential neighbourhood where she was fondly referred to as ‘Caring Mother’ by community residents. She financially supported the educational ambitions of several family members including some other siblings and other nephews/nieces, up until her departure.

"As a church elder, Mum was an avid supporter of ecumenical projects, even while domiciled in RCCG Parish in Warri. She had lived in several cities with her family including Lagos, Port-Harcourt, and Warri, and was fluent in English, Pidgin, Yoruba and her mother tongue of Izon. She was a detribalized Nigerian.

"Mum was called to rest on 2nd February 2024, following a sudden illness. She was 70 years young. She is survived by children, grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, and wards. She would be tremendously missed by all the people whose lives she impacted. Adieu Mama. Rest peacefully on with the Lord Jesus Christ and may your candle continuously burn to keep our paths lit!"

As she was finally committed to Mother Earth on Thursday afternoon, the woman, who, in paid tributes, was described as 'sweet mum', 'beloved mum and super woman', 'great mother-in-law', 'dearest grandmother', 'virtuous woman', 'great sister', 'caring and supportive sister' and 'wonderful woman', will no doubt be missed by all who knew her.

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