By Wilbet Ijeoma
JESSE/Nigeria: The solemnity of a funeral draped the atmosphere in Jesse Town, Ethiope West LGA of Delta State on December 2nd, 2023, during the final rites for Late Deaconess Victoria Omatie Esiorho, mother of Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata, the Publicity Secretary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide and Chairman of the Federal Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council.
Dignitaries from both state and national echelons converged to honour Abel Johngold from various organizations. Among the attendees were officers from the Nigeria Police Force, representatives from multiple unions, associations, and agencies, each offering tributes in honour of the departed Deaconess Victoria Omatie Esiorho.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council, under the leadership of State Chairman Churchill Oyowe, was represented by the State Vice Chairman, Felix Ekwu. Other prominent organizations, including the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), led by its Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), National Orientation Agency (NOA) Delta State Directorate, Federal Information Chapel of the NUJ Delta State Council, University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), were visibly present.
Chairman, Delta Online Publishers, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli and the Financial Secretary, Mr. Chijioke Ugbolue
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of esteemed personalities such as Chief Festus Ahon, Chief Press Secretary of the Delta State Governor, and Michael Ikeogwu, the immediate past State Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council.
Amidst the tributes and eulogies, Abel Johngold shared poignant reflections on his mother’s life, describing her as “outspoken, hardworking, and a champion of truth, justice, and fairness.”
He recounted her distinguished career as a retired Superintendent of Police, holding various significant positions within the Nigeria Police Force.
In a moment filled with emotion, Johngold posed a rhetorical question, asking, “When is it ideal to die, Mummy mi?” He continued, expressing heartfelt sentiments and memories, labeling his late mother as the “Heroine of IWETA and MABIAKU Dynasties,” signifying her influence and legacy within their family realm.
Expressions of gratitude resonated as Abel Johngold, alongside his wife Lady Bridget Onome Johngold, extended heartfelt appreciation to colleagues, friends, and well-wishers for their support and presence during the burial ceremony. They offered prayers for safe journeys back to their respective destinations, invoking blessings in the name of Jesus.
The event stood as a testament to the respect and honour bestowed upon a woman who lived a life marked by integrity, service, and unwavering commitment to truth. As the final rites concluded, the memory of Deaconess Victoria Omatie Esiorho reverberated in the hearts of all who gathered to bid her farewell.
