His little son looked frightened. He had not seen his father for days. All he was told was that he would not see his loving father in physical form ever again. His young mind could not come to terms as to what that meant. However, he kept seeing people come around their premises to console his sad mother. And now finally, as dirt was shoveled into the grave after the casket holding the remains of his departed father was lowered into his eternal resting place, he could no longer stay calm.

The above vivid narration was just one of the sorrowful moments that played out at the burial ceremony of the late Mr. Bernard Ibadiegha Odiki who was laid to rest in his hometown, Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

The previous day, a Service of Songs ceremony was held in his honour at his residence, No. 33 Ejewor Street off Polokor Market in Okumagba Layout, Warri, where testimonials from families and friends brought tears to the eyes of the audience as they were emotionally touching.

For the last time, the Odiki family were once again joined by friends and other sympathisers at the Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary in Warri where the remains of the 45-year-old father and husband was conveyed via the Miller Waterfront to Oporoza for the final burial rites.

As captured in his brief biography, "The late Bernard Ibadiegha Odiki was born on the 22nd of April 1979 to Mr. and Mrs. Felix and Bridget Odiki. He grew up a hardworking and intelligent person always willing to do all that is necessary for everyone to be happy. He is not afraid to take up responsibilities and to protect the image of others in a positive light.

Academically, "He attended Alegbo Primary and later finished at Ikengbuwa Primary School. He attended Delta Careers College, Warri, but finished at Yonwuren College, Warri. He then went to Ambrose Ali University in Ekpoma, Edo State, where he obtained his first degree.

"After graduation, he left Nigeria to Malaysia in 2008 until 2020 when he returned to establish his business and got married. His marriage was blessed with two lovely children. He continued to welcome all and sundry. He was known for his kindness and generosity."

After the Christian ceremony that featured singing of hymns, scripture reading, presentation of his biography, a brief sermon among other funeral activities, the casket holding his remains was conveyed in a procession to the grave side for interment.

"It is hard to believe that you are no longer here. Words cannot describe how this makes me feel… You have passed on to the other side, though I wish you could still be here with me," his wife, Mrs. Loveth Odiki wrote. 

"You were a remarkable man, loving and caring. You were the center of my world; you were one in a million to me. You made me smile, you made me laugh. You were my companion; you were a wonderful husband and a loving father from beginning to the end.

"Forever you will live on in my heart and mind. Forever you will live in my thoughts and never die. With love always, I remember you. With fond memories I think of you. I’m grateful for the times we had together. I will cherish my memories with you forever."

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