It was a night of golden tributes as the families of Late Madam Asaba Dora Ogegbene (Nee Amabenimo Yokiri), a native of Benikrukru and Oporoza communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, were joined by friends and other sympathisers at the social wake keep ceremony that held in Oporoza on the night of Friday, November 29, till the early morning hours of Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The paying of tributes, which is one of the important ceremonies during the wake keep, witnessed the children, relatives and in-laws of the deceased pouring out their hearts as they opened the unending book of the life and times of their beloved mother, grandmother and relation as captured in their memories.

"Today we gather to honour and celebrate the life of my dear mother, Dora; a woman whose love, strength, and kindness shaped everything about who I am," said a daughter, Ebikela Ise Ogegbene, as she went further to describe her mother to the audience in attendance at the wake keep ceremony.

"My mother was a nurturer, a woman of incredible work ethic, strength, resilience, integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering faith in God. She was the hardest working person I’ve ever known," she confessed, while she added, "But in spite of how busy or tired she was, she always found the energy to care for everyone around; she gave of herself without hesitation," she noted, highlighting one of the most important characteristics she will remember her mother for.

"Her work ethic was unmatched, but it was her heart that truly stood out. Her kindness was a gift to everyone around her, because of her extraordinary ability to extend motherly care to everyone; not just her children; she made people feel welcome, loved and safe in her home. I grew up seeing people in and out of our home, whether it was for a place to sleep, a warm meal, comforting words, or just a shoulder to lean on; she was always ready to share her love and care. She taught me the importance of a kind and generous heart, but also to apply wisdom in my dealings with people," Ebikela confessed.

Another of the children, Christian Ukulor, wrote, "My lovely mother, my solution giver, I will never forget you. You left when I needed you even more. It feels so helpless to know you are gone forever. No amount of tears can bring you back, but the tears have refused to stop flowing. I may not see you again, but your life lessons and advice will always stay with me to keep you living on in me."

"Mama, I miss you in ways that I cannot express on paper," began Anita Adonijah, a daughter. "Your care, motherly support and your constant advice was inestimable in value. A mother is a shield that cannot be replaced. You were even more than a shield. You were a support and a touch bearer. A loving mother, and a more loving grandmother to my children. The vacuum you have created cannot be filled by another. But I take solace in the fact that you lived a godly life and will be received in the Bosom of the Lord. Rest on Mama," she added confidently.

On his part, Clement Ise Ogegbene, a son, stated thus, "It’s been said that a mother’s heart is the child’s classroom. I thank God for all that my mom taught me through the years. She is a portrait of a godly mother, and I’m proud to be her son," as he journeyed into the past, recalling how his late mother taught him to always put God foremost in life.

“There isn’t anything more important for a mother to teach her children than to teach them how to have a relationship with God. Thank you for the mother that you were. A great mother! A mother who guides and inspires; mother who dedicate her time in helping others without any expectations. You taught me about pride and humility. You were the one with the wisdom and insight to decide what to do when the path is not clear,” he added.

One of Mama's in-laws, Emmanuel Aghotor, "Mama, it’s saddening to know that you have gone. Watching you in the ebbing hours of your last days was such a painful experience. It’s a journey you alone could take therefore we could only stand afar and wave you bye. By marriage to your daughter, you became a second mother to me. Your humble lifestyle and equanimity were simply amazing and humbling and your regular advice were a light unto the lath of my marriage."

Another of her in-law, Frank Adonijah, wrote: "Words are not enough to express how highly esteemed you are in my heart... You defined humility and peace in every sense of the word. Indeed, you are the virtuous woman Proverbs 31 talks about and you raised and duplicated yourself in my wife, the mother of my children. And so it grieves my heart to imagine the depth of your grave and the amount of sand that will be thrown at you at your burial and that you have said goodbye to us on this side of life," he said regrettably.

A daughter in-law, Regina Ise Ogegbene said, "Mama you are one in a million. Your kind words to me and your lovely advice has kept me going. You are a mother that not discriminate, a mother that takes both her daughter in-laws and anybody around her as one. Every moment spent with you was a memorable one and it brought a lot of joy, happiness. You will be greatly missed. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts," she ended her golden tributes reassuringly.

On his path, Mr Johnbull Amabenimo Yokiri, a relation of the deceased said, “It’s like a dream to us that my sister is no more. Our pride is gone; what a life! It grieves me so much because when I remember my young days with you, I still think that you are always with us. I miss you. May your soul rest in peace, Amen,” he prayed.

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