Dr. Olaye Messiah Doupade, the Board of Trustee member representing the good people of Okerenkoko Federated Community in the OKOEA Host Community Development Trust, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West council area of Delta State, has hailed his late mother for her zeal in uniting the family, while challenging those whose parents are still alive to dedicate quality time to appreciate the roles they play in the lives of their children and family.

The OKOEA BoT member gave the charge during a novelty football match held in honour of his departed mother, late Mrs. Mary Olaye, at the NPDC sports pitch in Ogunu, Warri, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The late Mrs. Olaye will be laid to rest in her hometown, Okerenkoko Federated Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a Service of Songs ceremony honouring her memory at the Transformation Zion City, No. 34 Ekete Waterside Road in Udu council area by 3pm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Speaking to PENGlobal Community after the football encounter between SFC Warri Team and Ijaw All Stars Team, Dr. Olaye, who is the Financial Secretary of SFC Warri, said his late mother remained one of the best to happen in his life, as well as a force for unity in the family.

"My mother, considering the level with which she's dear to me, I thought it's an opportunity for me to to announce to the entire world today that I've lost my mom; not just lost my mother, she's somebody that is very dear to me, dear to my life.

"My mother, late Mrs. Mary Olaye, happened to be one of the best things that has ever happened to me. The memory of my mother, Mama Mary, will continue to rest in my heart for the rest of my life. She has taught me love, she has taught me unity, and she is a factor that unites all of us together as a family," he added.

Dr. Olaye called out with a counsel to families, friends and other sympathisers whose mothers are still alive, to hold and cherish them dearly.

"My counsel for those that still have their mother, I want to advise them that they should try to spend the best time that they have with their mother. They should not wait till their mother dies before they will plan to honour her with a lavish burial.

"One of the encouragement I have today is because, the few times, before mama died, as my best friend, I did all I could do within my reach to make sure she is happy.

"So I want to advise my friends, my loved ones, as many of them that still have their mothers, let them look for a good time to spend with their mother, give their mother good treats, and let their mother know that the time and the sacrifice she has made for them all the years is not a waste. This is the time for them to pay their mother," he urged.

Speaking further, he added, "This moment, although is a moment of grief for me and my entire family, however, we will continue to encourage ourselves in the Lord, continuing in the legacy that our mother has left behind."

The late Mrs. Mary Olaye, who is survived by seven children and 21 grandchildren, will be greatly missed by her children, families and friends, as condolences pour in.

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