"Our lives are borrowed. It belongs to God. Somebody may say 'I have my life, I can use my life the way I want'. No! Brethren, I want to let you know that you don't have power over your life. My life and your life belongs to Jehovah. What I am saying in essence is that, the Almighty God, Jehovah God, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, owns our lives."

That was the benediction from Apst. Newman Bebenimibo of the Word of Salvation Bible Life Ministry Int.'l Inc. who reminded families, friends, and other sympathisers who attended the Service of Songs ceremony of the Late Capt. Winfred Ondo Itima, that held at the residence of the deceased in New Layout, Effurun, Delta State, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

The ceremony which featured praise and worship, Bible readings, presentation of the Biography of the deceased, a brief benediction, testimonials, and prayers, had in attendance, among other top dignitaries, the Tarazai I of Kerebiri Mein Kingdom, Bomadi, HRM Godspower Tam Oporomo; Chief Dr. Oboko Bello, Chief Julius Tonfawei, Amb. Emmanuel Tonlagha, Bishop Felix Piniki, Elder Mark Timiyan, Mr. Christopher Ejoh, Mr. Edwin Aruwei.

The late Capt. Itima, who passed away on the 10th of October 2023 in Lagos at the age of 68 years, is survived by Mrs. Coast Itima (wife), Barr. Iyoroebi Kenge Itima (daughter), Engr. Birifiniyerin Itima (son), Master Karinade Clinton Itima (son), Nurse Iyenkenimi Itima (daughter), Master Emmanuel Itima (son), and Miss Eniye Itima (daughter).

Meanwhile, eulogies have continued to trail the life of the late Capt. Itima, Described as a man of humility, compassion, understanding, a pillar in the family, among other positive virtues, his sudden death has created a huge vacuum in the family that is difficult to be filled.

According to a brother of the late Capt., Chief William Itima, "Your absence from this sinful world have made me like a ship that has lost her engine and compass that is drifting. Am so hurt. Where is Zeti, Fred, Romeo and now yourself. This vacuum can't be filled by anybody," he lamented just as recalled how the deceased had played the role of a father in his life having lost their father at an early age.

Another of his brother, Demebi John, had this to say, "Capt Winfred Itima was a true brother at the same time a father to me. I didn't expect him to leave me this soon, but I can't question God. Whatever I am today I owe it all to him, for he made me who I am today. He taught me never to depend on anyone, rather to work hard to achieve your goal in life and that's how it has been for me up on till now."

For the wife, Mrs. Coast Itima, and the children of the late Capt. Itima, losing him was too early. "Oh my husband, parting ways with you was the most heart-breaking event of my life," she wrote in her tribute, amidst the despair of hoping to see the love of her life once again. "Oh My Hero, My Best Friend, My Love, My husband man, the husband of my youth, the man of integrity, a man that knows his responsibility and knows the value of family, the children that you trained have graduated and death couldn't let you stay to enjoy the fruit of your labour. O death, I hope you haven't taken the better part of me, this pain is too much," she continued in her lamentation and with prayers of vengeance if the death of his beloved was not natural.

For the first daughter, Barr. Iyoroebi Kenge, her father's sudden passing was shocking, as she fondly remembers her father for his good deeds, how he tirelessly worked hard to meet family needs, and how he portrayed the role of "a good definition of a philanthropist. My father can do good for Africa. Sometimes I will ask him, why do you like doing good even when you don't have, he will say 'Iyoro my daughter, that's the reason for living.' My dad set an example to others for his integrity, principles and loyalty," she recalled in her tribute among other fond qualities showcased by her late father.

While Nurse Iyenkenimi F. Itima, a daughter wrote, "Your memories are now bittersweet but it pains me more that you're not here to see the woman I am becoming, the woman you trained me to be", his first son, Engr. Brifiniyerin M. Itima wrote, "A great role model and a great support is who you are; you always prioritize your children's comfortability over anything, you're always ready to listen to my challenges, my ideas, and ready to support me in any way you deem fit. You're an over achiever and an intelligent man, It was a joy to have you in my life."

Among countless tributes from family members such as Master Karinade Clinton Itima (son), Engr. Doutimi Aruwei, Enimobarah Franca Itima (niece), Gift Itima (niece), Ekpoeyennanade Francisca Itima (niece), Stella Itima (niece), Rachael Itima (niece), Tuakene Etunemi Benedicta, Bello Odibo, Kingsley Ukuli; and from communities such as Kunukunuma Federated Community, Iva Community, Pepe-ama Community in his hometown in Garamatu Kingdom among others, all extolled the exemplary life of the late Capt. Itima.

The Late Capt. Itima who hails from the families of Late Mr. Itima Okoroware Fafa of Ogeh Quarters in Kunukunuma Town and Fafa Quarters in Pepe-Ama Town, and Late Mrs. Muhama Itima (Nee Aruwei) of Iva Quarters of Kunukunuma Town, all in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, will on Friday, April 5, 2024, be laid to rest in Pepe-ama.

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