It was a downpour of tears amidst wailing as the children and family members of late Mama Kebi Imoni Timiyan Nee Wuruzuwei Otobo could not hold back their tears as the casket holding her remains was lowered into the grave on the morning of Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a night that was marked by a Christian service and a social wake-keep ceremony.

While the previous night had been masked with jubilation by family, friends and other sympathisers in the colourful celebration of the life of the 83-year-old great grandmother, grandmother and mother, however, the dawn of a new day brought with it the stark reality that  brought agony and fond memories.

The Christian service that held in honour of the deceased the previous evening by members of the Temple of Salvation Zion Ministry led by its spiritual leader, Rev. Bishop Prt. Dr. Godfrey Timiyan, was marked with praises, Bible readings, presentation of biography and sermons of repentance from Pst. Simeon Abel, among other ministers in attendance.

The social wake-keep ceremony began midnight and lasted till the early hours of Saturday, with activities that centered largely on dances and entertainment with music supplied by Prince Isaba Abraham, the Numu Pere of Isaba Kingdom, performing live with his Izon band.

Meanwhile, in the collection of tributes, the late Mama Kebi was eulogised by her children, grandchildren, in-laws among others for her hardworking nature, dedication to motherhood, spirit of entrepreneurship and service to God and humanity, as well as evoke the sad feeling of loss in her family.

"It sounds unbelievable when I heard your last breath by 7:30pm on Tuesday, March 2, 2024, at your bedside. The shock of this last breath remained memorable that I feel I could revive it back," wrote Mama's eldest son, Capt. Dickson Timiyan in his tribute, as he went further to describe his late mother as a "woman of good charisma and leadership potentials" and added "I miss you Mama, I wonder how I could cope without your intelligent advice. Even though you were sick, yet your sense of reasoning remained intact. May the good God grant your soul eternal rest until we meet to part no more," he prayed.

Mama's first daughter, Mrs. Doris wrote: "An epitome of peace, Mama was an icon in the family; she was a woman admired by many, someone who has a positive impact on individuals. It is painful to say great thing about great people when it’s too late for them to hear it. Sometimes I wonder why the good die, but God knows best... Mama, we will forever miss you. Adieu!!! Rest in the Bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen."

Another of Mama's son, Capt. Alfred Timiyan wrote: "Mama, your departure from this sinful world is still like a dream to me. In fact, I still don’t understand why you choose to leave us at this moment. But who are we to question God? For He knows better. Mama, we shall be missing all those motherly advices and jokes... Oh Mama! I still remember when you always tell us to eat in the same plate no matter the type of food, forgive each other and have mutual respect for one another. May the Lord grant your gentle soul eternal rest, Amen."

Another of Mama's daughter, Mrs. Roseline also wrote: "I don’t know where to start. I can’t believe you are gone! It’s hard to believe that you are no longer with us Mama. All I have been praying is for your recovery from the sick bed, but God knows best. Who will question the Will of God? Nobody! Mama, we miss you. May your soul rest in perfect peace, Amen! Goodbye mother."

Yet, for Mama's daughter name Florence, otherwise known as Mama Wealth, she said: "My mother was my biggest inspiration, role model and support system. I knew I could always count on you whenever I need you. You were a lovely person. Now be at peace and bask in Heaven’s goodness. Because of you, the world became a brighter place for me and my siblings. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother and friend. You taught me the value of trust, and I’ve learned to keep my word because I had a trustworthy mother like you. Thank you for all the ways you’ve impacted me, you will forever be loved and missed and I will always try my absolute best to make to make you proud. Rest on mum."

"Mama was a friend, mentor and a mother. I still can’t believe you are gone. I’m short of words to describe the value you added to my life personally and the world around. You are a woman of principles, one who make things work; a woman who sees possibility amidst impossibility and sees life as vanity. May your gentle soul rest in peace," Mama Victory, a daughter added.

For the grandchildren, in their collective tribute, wrote: "It is painful to say goodbye to our lovely grandmother that is so dear to us. Despite all attempts humanly possible made to save her life, you bowed to the call of your Creator. Who are we to question the dictates of the Lord? You are physically no more with us, but you will always remain in our minds. We cannot forget your motherly love towards us."

Among the sundry of guests include community elders and chiefs, women and youths, representatives from Ogulagha Kingdom and other neighbouring communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

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