While Nigerians were busy marking the 25th Democracy Day, but for the families, friends and associates of late Amb. (Mrs) Blessing Oghale Gbenekama (JP), it was a sad day that calls for reflection as they converged at the residence of the husband, the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Amb. Dr. Godspower Gbenekama (JP), for the Service of Songs ceremony organised in her honour on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

The ceremony, which is coming barely a week after her passing on June 7, was officiated by Bishop John Onomrerhonor from the Christ Missionary Crusaders Church, Warri district headquarters, and had in attendance notable figures such as the Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko (where the deceased last worked), Prof. Emmanuel Munakurogha Adigio; the Registrar, Dr. Alfred Mulade; the Commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Board of DESOPADEC, Hon. Spencer Okpoye; the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi; among several others.

As is the tradition, the ceremony witnessed the singing of hymns, Bible reading, testimonies, presentation of the biography of the deceased, words of exhortations, and prayers for the family, among other activities.

In the testimony session, according to Dr. Mulade, who is also a member of the Gbenekama family, said that the late Blessing Oghale lived true to her name as she brought blessings into the family and wherever she finds herself. He also described as a jovial person and urged the family to ensure her legacies live on.

"Our sister and our in-law, my dear staff, a very beloved staff, very warm, very articulate, very joyous any time you see her, and very happy person, has left to be with the Lord. We are consoled by the fact that she lived a very good life, in the family, and she lived true to her name, Blessing Oghale. In some cultures, in some languages, people will say people live by their name. And in the English, they call it nominative determinism. That is exactly what has happened.

"Since she found expression in her family, it has been one blessing to the other. And all those that have come across her, have reason to testify to that fact. In her place of work, in her place of worship (which is the church, the Anglican church), in her place, everywhere she finds herself," he added.

Also testifying, High Chief Matthew Pudie said the late Amb. Blessing Oghale will never be forgotten so easily because of her commitment to not only the Gbenekama family but to the people of Gbaramatu while praying to God to give them tbe strength to cope and bear the sad loss.

Members from the College of Nursing, Warri, in honour of their departed colleague, performed a rendition of their anthem before guests in attendance. Earlier, a colleague in their midst, who had stood up to share her testimony concerning the deceased became overwhelmed with grief as she burst into tears while her colleagues made frantic efforts to console her and others.

Also from the family front, by way of tributes, the likes of Miss Tarelayefa Gbenekama, Mrs. Jennifer Okugbawa (sister), Mr. Ovie Odeh (brother), Dcn. Prince Isaiah Gbenekama and Mr. Truston Gbenekama, among others, all poured out their hearts while lamenting her sudden departure.

The late Amb. (Mrs.) Blessing Gbenekama (JP) passed away at the age of 40 years and is survived by three children amidst other relatives. Her remains will be conveyed from the Safe Haven morgue to Azama community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, the hometown of her husband, for final burial rites on Friday, June 14, 2024. May her gentle soul rest peacefully, Amen.

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