The atmosphere at the funeral ceremony of Late Mama Isomu Odudu (Nee Igbogidi) that held on Friday, November 3, 2023, in Oporoza Town, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West area of Delta State, was that of celebration with glowing outpouring of tributes amidst mixed feelings from the children and sympathisers as they recalled fond memories of the late mother, grandmother and great grandmother who departed the Earth at the age of 91 years.

Earlier in the day, the remains of the Late Mama Isomu Odudu (Nee Igbogidi), who hails from the families of Oge Idumu in Kokodiagbene Town and from Ikirentimi/Kenibra Idumu in Oporoza Town, left the Safe Heaven Mortuary at 7:00am to her home town, Oporoza, for the funeral rites and internment in her compound.

While the sudden demise of Mama brought sadness and grief, the tone of the tributes was unanimous that Mama's life, which is an inspiration to many, should be celebrated, hence the glowing faces despite the hearts of family members weighed down with grief.

"Mama was a woman of inestimable value," Mama's first daughter Mrs. Rose Sintei remarked as she set off the long list of tributes. "She cared for me and my siblings," she continued, and added, "Our pains were her pain, likewise our happiness gave her immeasurable joy. Indeed Mama was both a mother and a father to us," she noted.

Mama's second daughter, Lady Maria Kemnele described her late mother as "A jewel in the Savanna, a business and goal oriented woman, a calm and serene woman who ponders everything in her heart, not quick to talk," and praised her mother for the many sacrifices to the benefit of her children, while taking solace in the fact that "Dear mother, you are free from pains, sleeplessness; free from anxiety... You indeed fought a good fight, there awaits you a crown of glory, Adieu Mama."

Two of Mama's sons, Mr. Daniel and Mr. Adiel said Mama's passing was shocking to them and that only time will heal their pains. While they described their mother as "the best mum in the whole world" and "the pillar of my life", they also admired her for her caring and supportive nature, and that they will surely miss her.

On her part, Mrs. Tombra, another daughter said that Mama was "the best of mothers... as well as gentle and quiet" who was also an entertainer and a great company keeper. She also praised Mama for her hardworking nature and selflessness, adding that "I really admired your positive attitude and courage towards life" just as she capped her tributes with prayers that Mama who died in Christ will rest peacefully.

For Mama's daughter, Edouye, she said, "My mother was an inspiring soul, always there for all who came to her with their troubles. You are my best friend and ever lovely mother; you are kind, neat to a fault and taught me to be real with my feelings", adding further that she was grateful to Mama for being "a wonderful and amazing mother" while she prayed “Mama rest well in the Lord till we meet again to part no more.”

For two of Mama's grandsons, Samson and Layefa, they thanked Mama for her sacrifices, care and concern, and said that the memories of Mama would always live with them as she was "a one-in-a-million grandma" who will never be forgotten. Also, for two of Mama's grand daughters, Bethel and Rachael, they said that they will cherish Mama for eternity in their hearts, and confessed that Mama's "love and kindness will forever be a guiding light in our lives, knowing your legacy lives on."

Another of Mama's grandsons, Tare said "The will of God cannot be understood by mere men. This world is not our home, but the passage to our final destination. So Mama rest on till we meet again in paradise," while Pere described Mama as a good woman who "treated all her children and grandchildren kindly" and who meant the world to her. He recalled how Mama always came to his rescue by pleading "with my parents not to scold or punish me" and the times he helped massaged parts of Mama's body to soothe her pains as well as share a good meal, and wished that "If there is a next life, I would love to be your grandson again."

Two of Mama's daughter in-laws, Mrs. Josephine recalled how Mama used to gift her seafoods during her fishing expedition, and despite being on sick bed still find time to call her on phone asking after her welfare, just as she confessed "Mama, if there is another life, I would still love to be your daughter-in-law again." For Mrs. Shirley, she recalled how Mama welcomed her into the life of his son. She described her as "an extraordinary person who touched the lives of everyone she met" and one who possesses "a heart of gold" while noting that Mama will be missed but will continue to live in her heart.

Mama's son in-law, Sir Kemnele expressed his shock on her demise which he said "leaves a huge void in our hearts that only time can heal". He described Mama as "strong, faithful, caring, industrious, understanding, selfless, generous, ordered, compassionate, accommodating and welcoming mother... Yet soft at heart" while he prayed for God's mercy on her soul "and grant us the fortitude to bear your glorious exit."

Others who also paid glowing tributes to Mama are Miss Treasure Odudu, Favour Odudu, Mbah Praise, Mrs. Vivian Arinze, Kemnele Tamaraebibo, Destiny Amaye, among others.

The Late Mama Isomu Odudu (Nee Igbogidi) was born in 1932 to Pa. Igbogidi whom she lost at an early age, and to Nene Ebiegberi. Because of the belief that the girl-child education was a waste of time and resources, Mama wasn't opportune to attend school. However, she had an eye for business, assisting her husband in fishing and engaging in different kinds of trade. Born into a pagan family, she later got married into a Christian home where she embraced Christ until her passing.

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