It was a moment of reflection as families, friends and other sympathisers storm the coastal town of Odimodi in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday, August 23, 2024, to pay their last respect to a father figure, late Capt. Willy Isanegba, whose life is described as one that is "defined by love, care, and a profound sense of responsibility".

Earlier in the day, the body of the late Capt. Isanegba was conveyed from the Noble Mortuary in Udu to Odimodi via Miller Waterfront near NPA in Warri, where a Christian funeral service was anchored by the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) before a social all night wake-keep ceremony.

Delivering a sermon on repentance to the guests in attendance, Pst Daniel Echabor of the LFC charged the audience to put their hope in God and on spiritual things with focus on Heaven as their home, rather than on material things which fades away.

The ceremony also featured Bible readings with scriptures taken from the books of Psalms 39 verse 1-13, 1st Corinthians 15 verse 12-26, among others, with presentation of Biography of the deceased, testimonials from family members and friends who all extolled the life lived by the deceased, and a prayer by church ministers for the children and family members of the late Capt. Isanegba.

The late Capt. Isanegba, according to his biography "was born on the 16th of August, 1939 to the family of Brakoregha of Paghasa Quarter of Odimodi Community in Burutu Local Government Area and Deregbanghan family of Okerenkoko Federated Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West, both of Delta State, Nigeria.

"He grew up with a strong sense of duty, which later became the cornerstone of his life both in his family and his profession. He attended L.A Primary School in Odimodi Community where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate between 1948-1953.

"He lived with his parent and assisted them in fishing and fish farming as the family major occupation. Shortly after his primary school education at Odimodi, he relocated to Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu Kingdom with his mother after the death of his father.

"Daddy worked with various companies like Tidex Company in 1967-1969 in Warri, Delta State. After some years he travelled to Lagos State where he worked as a Captain in Julius Berger Nigeria Limited in 1976 and was redeployed to their base in Warri, Delta State.

"His service was marked by excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his duties with the company until he retired in 1991. He was later engaged by Juff Marine Limited and Joe-marine as a Captain and by Jogof Nigeria Limited as Marine Manager.

"Daddy early Christian life began from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Zion and Celestial Church of Christ. He later associated himself with the Jehovah's Witness in Warri. At the tail end of his life, he identified and got baptized at the Living Faith Church, Udu in Udu LGA of Delta State in 2017. He was a devoted member until his death.

"Despite the demands of his career, Capt. Willy, fondly called, never wavered in his role as a father. He was always present, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love to his children. He taught them the values of integrity, respect, and kindness, which continue to shape their lives today. He was known for his calm manner, even in the most challenging situations, and his ability to lead with compassion and fairness.

"Late Captain Willy's accommodating nature extended beyond his family. He was a pillar of his community, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. His home was a sanctuary of love, where everyone felt welcomed and cherished. His generosity knew no bounds, and his legacy of love and care continues to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.

"Daddy Survived with a wife, 11 children and 17 grandchildren. Though he is no longer physically with us, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the lessons he imparted. His memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to his immediate and extended family and friends. May the soul of our beloved Father rest in peace, Amen," the biography reads.

NOTE: This report is brought to you courtesy of the SSA on Security to the Delta State Government, Amb. Ernest Bebenimibo JP, in-law of the late Capt. Isanegba.

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