Families, friends and sympathisers of late Pa. Richard Odevwri Odeh, at the Service of Songs ceremony organised in honour of the deceased father and grandfather, have recalled fond memories of the 81-year-old, with one of the sons, Mr. Ese Odeh, wishing their father had been privileged to say goodbye to them.

The Service of Songs ceremony which was officiated by the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) held at the private residence of the late Pa. Odeh at No. 6 Ifiogho Street by Okoro Street off 3rd Marine Gate near Enerhen junction, Warri, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The ceremony which was well attended by family members and other sympathisers witnessed the singing of hymns, Bible readings, prayers, testimonials and a brief exhortation by a MFM minister, Pastor Ebenezer Olabamidele.

During the testimony session, Mr. Ese, who described his father as a friend in whom he confides in, wished that the late Pa. Odeh had said a final farewell to the family before his sudden departure. However, weighed with grief, he couldn't continue his narration.

"My father is my friend," Mr. Ese said. "There's one thing I know about my father, he never played with church. The only thing is that it pains me he never told me goodbye before he left. He was with me in my house, we slept together till the next morning. He is a nice man and we the children are proud of it. I love my father, I love him from my heart," he added amidst sobs.

Among others who testified on the life lived by the late Pa. Odeh include a friend of the family, Mrs. Akporowho Emmuella, who said the deceased "is very humble, gentle; I remember back then during my traditional marriage, he was the one that arranged the bus. He is always gentle and gives fatherly advice. And whatever he says always come to reality," while she added further, "I will say thank God for his life, though it's painful."

Also, Mr. Ojo, a neighbour of the late Pa. Odeh, disclosed how the counsels offered by the deceased to him had impacted his life, just as he prayed for the family to be strong, reminding them that their late father was a great man.

Pastor Ebenezer in his brief sermon reminded those in attendance on the need to make Heaven as that is the final destination for believers who lived according to God's standard. The MFM minister urged guests to re-examine their lives now that they are alive as each day and moment is an opportunity.

The late Pa. Odeh, a native of Kokori Inland in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, who died December 30, 2023, from a hit and run incident, will be buried on Friday, May 17, 2024, at his hometown.

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