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| The Body of Late Mama Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor in her final state |
A crowd of mourners and friends of the family were in Benin capital of Edo State (Southern Nigeria) on Friday, June 30, to bid a
final farewell to Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee).
Ironically and maybe by a stroke of fate, that day turned out to be the day she
was born into the world some fifty eight years ago—her birth day. It means Mama went back to mother earth on her
birth date. That could only happen to a few set of people in this world.
final farewell to Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee).
Ironically and maybe by a stroke of fate, that day turned out to be the day she
was born into the world some fifty eight years ago—her birth day. It means Mama went back to mother earth on her
birth date. That could only happen to a few set of people in this world.
Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor’s final journey home began with grand
celebration with children,
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| The Late Mama Agberawonhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aibangbee) |
relatives and well-wishers dancing alongside the
motorcade that took her body from God’s Care Mortuary on Ekewan Road, Benin City to 27, Enabulele Street, off Uwelu Road, Ogida Quarters
for lying in state.
The journey which was an expanded one
amidst huge celebration alongside a convoy of about 30 cars arrived Ogida Quarters for a greater celebration of a woman described as kind, humane and
enterprising in her life time.
The nook and crannies of Ogida
Quarters, off Uwelu Road, Benin City came alive as family, friends,
well-wishers and guests from all walks of life received Mama’s body at the family house. The burial rite started with a
service of songs cum Wake Keep Service/lying
in State which enabled children and grand children to converge and share old
time memories of the great woman.
Quarters, off Uwelu Road, Benin City came alive as family, friends,
well-wishers and guests from all walks of life received Mama’s body at the family house. The burial rite started with a
service of songs cum Wake Keep Service/lying
in State which enabled children and grand children to converge and share old
time memories of the great woman.
A team of clergies from Holy Spirit Mission Church on Iyalakhue Street, Off Textile Mill Road, Benin
City directed affairs of the event. The Service of songs began with an opening
prayer which was followed with series of praise & worship rendition. The
next segment had deceased’s children stepping forward to give eulogies and
encomium for their beloved mum. Her second son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe (aka R.O.C) jolted the crowd of mourners
to reality of the moment, as he took permission from the presiding priest for a
birthday song to be sung in honor of his beloved mother. This singular act
moved many to tears as the sentiment of having a person go to rest with the
Lord on her birth date hit their emotions. It was mixed reaction as the guest
joined Comrade Samuel Igiebor to honor his mother’s memory with a
birthday song.
City directed affairs of the event. The Service of songs began with an opening
prayer which was followed with series of praise & worship rendition. The
next segment had deceased’s children stepping forward to give eulogies and
encomium for their beloved mum. Her second son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe (aka R.O.C) jolted the crowd of mourners
to reality of the moment, as he took permission from the presiding priest for a
birthday song to be sung in honor of his beloved mother. This singular act
moved many to tears as the sentiment of having a person go to rest with the
Lord on her birth date hit their emotions. It was mixed reaction as the guest
joined Comrade Samuel Igiebor to honor his mother’s memory with a
birthday song.
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| Mama’s younger sister, Mrs. Omoniyi (Mama Tayo) |
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| The Clergy, Pastor Chuks Onyibe…giving the sermon at Mama’s Service of Songs/Wake Keep |
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| An Associate Pastor delivering intercession prayers |
One of the presiding
priests, Pastor Chuks Onyibe offered word of exhortation which was complemented with
messages on life and death of a believer with Biblical verses taken directly
from the Holy Bible. A special prayer
for the deceased was later rendered by her children, priests and relatives. The
last segment of the two hours ceremony had body of ministers asking the
children to come forward for a special prayer. Guests were later treated to
light refreshment after the benediction.
priests, Pastor Chuks Onyibe offered word of exhortation which was complemented with
messages on life and death of a believer with Biblical verses taken directly
from the Holy Bible. A special prayer
for the deceased was later rendered by her children, priests and relatives. The
last segment of the two hours ceremony had body of ministers asking the
children to come forward for a special prayer. Guests were later treated to
light refreshment after the benediction.
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| Family and well-wisher pose with Mama for the last time |
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| Mama’s sons, Ikpomwonsa and Samuel bade their mum for the last time |
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| The last sermon for Mama |
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| Mama’s body being lowered into her final resting place |
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| Prayer for the departed |
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| The gold cross coffin of late Mama Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor |
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| And Mama goes home… |
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| Dust-to-Dust |
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| The Last Prayer |
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| The Benediction |
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| Mama’s children and the clergy in a last minute dust-to-dust rites |
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| Prayer, sermon & benediction |
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| Mama’s body arrives |
On Saturday 1st July,
2017
Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) began her final journey home as the body left Ogida Quarters
to Iguakolo. Like the first day, Mama’s body traveled in a hearse amidst
a convoy of about 30 cars which led the body to Iguokolo amidst musical praise and celebration.
2017
Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) began her final journey home as the body left Ogida Quarters
to Iguakolo. Like the first day, Mama’s body traveled in a hearse amidst
a convoy of about 30 cars which led the body to Iguokolo amidst musical praise and celebration.
On standby to
welcome the family at Iguakolo was a team of Holy
Spirit Mission Church ministers led by Pastor Chuks Onyibe who
opened the ceremony with a sacred prayer of transition on the body of the
deceased before other family rites and interment took place. The peak of the
event was the lowering of the body of Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee
Aigbangbee) into the soil as children took turn to give their final
respect with the dust-to-dust rite. It was such a moving moment for the
children as they shed their last emotion for a mother who raised them from
cradle to creativity.
welcome the family at Iguakolo was a team of Holy
Spirit Mission Church ministers led by Pastor Chuks Onyibe who
opened the ceremony with a sacred prayer of transition on the body of the
deceased before other family rites and interment took place. The peak of the
event was the lowering of the body of Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee
Aigbangbee) into the soil as children took turn to give their final
respect with the dust-to-dust rite. It was such a moving moment for the
children as they shed their last emotion for a mother who raised them from
cradle to creativity.
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| Guests serenade Mama’s 2nd son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe as he stormed the stage |
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| Guests serenade Mama’s first son, Mr. Ikpomwonsa Christopher as he stormed the stage |
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| Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe in his element |
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| Mama’s 2nd son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe enjoying the moment on stage with well-wishers |
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| Mama’s son, Ikpomwonsa Christopher enjoys moment with guests |
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| Mama’s first son, Mr. Ikpomwonsa Christopher in a light mood with guests |
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| Mama’s son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe |
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| Mama’s second son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe on the band stand |
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| Mama’s first son, Mr. Ikpomwonsa Christopher in a jolly mood with a guest |
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| Mama’s sons: Mr. Ikpomwonsa Christopher (R) and Comrade Eghe Samuel Igiebor (L) |
Family and
well-wishers bid Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) goodbye
as they returned to Benin City for the
last leg of the event which is a grand reception at the family house—Ogida Quarters—No 27, Enabulele street off Uwelu Road—Benin City.
Guests trooped in from all walks of life as they all came to pay their last
respect to Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) and
equally console the family. Entertainment was supplied by the famous Benin High Life Band, Ukodo
Life Band. There was more than enough to eat and drink as choice drinks
and sumptuous meals were served to the crowd of guests that attended.
well-wishers bid Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) goodbye
as they returned to Benin City for the
last leg of the event which is a grand reception at the family house—Ogida Quarters—No 27, Enabulele street off Uwelu Road—Benin City.
Guests trooped in from all walks of life as they all came to pay their last
respect to Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) and
equally console the family. Entertainment was supplied by the famous Benin High Life Band, Ukodo
Life Band. There was more than enough to eat and drink as choice drinks
and sumptuous meals were served to the crowd of guests that attended.
On Sunday, July 2nd,
2017 children of late Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee
Aigbangbee) congregated at Holy Spirit
Mission Church, 4, Iyalakhue
Street, off Evbareke Street by Textile Mill Road—Benin City for an all-inclusive Thanks Giving Offering
Service which saw them thanking God for the grace to celebrate their mother in
death.
2017 children of late Madam Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee
Aigbangbee) congregated at Holy Spirit
Mission Church, 4, Iyalakhue
Street, off Evbareke Street by Textile Mill Road—Benin City for an all-inclusive Thanks Giving Offering
Service which saw them thanking God for the grace to celebrate their mother in
death.
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| Comrade Eghe Samuel Igiebor on the dance floor |
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| Mama’s first son, Mr. Ikpomwonsa Christopher |
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| Mama’s sons Mama’s Church members |
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| Mama’s sons, Mr. Ikpomwonsa Christopher (L), Mr. Osas Igiebor (M) and Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe (R) |
In the middle of the
service, the Presiding minister called out the children of the deceased for a
special thanksgiving offering. The entire Family
which comprises children, siblings and relatives filed out to appreciate God
for His mercy in their lives and for a successful funeral outing the previous
day. They danced to several praise songs rendered by the choir and equally
graced the offering bags accordingly.
service, the Presiding minister called out the children of the deceased for a
special thanksgiving offering. The entire Family
which comprises children, siblings and relatives filed out to appreciate God
for His mercy in their lives and for a successful funeral outing the previous
day. They danced to several praise songs rendered by the choir and equally
graced the offering bags accordingly.
Profile of Madam Veronica Igiebor
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| The Late Mama Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aibangbee) |
Madam
Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) Late Pa Sunday Igiebor’s wife was born into the
family of Pa and Lady Aibangbee in
1959. She grew up in Benin City under the tutelage of her parents
who gave her some of the best trainings life could offer. The only snag was the
fact that she lost her dad at a very tender age. After her secondary school
education, she learnt the skill of marketing and later established her own
fabric business at the famous Uwa Market in Benin City. She grew to be loved by friends, family and
well-wishers. In her life time, Veronica
was not just hard working, but was equally a caring, loving and very hospitable
wife, mother and sister. She could go to any extent to make her children happy
and equally make her husband achieve his goal and objectives. According to a
family source who spoke to Asabeafrika “Mama can go to any length even if it means selling her last wrapper to
ensure that her children’s needs are met” “She will do that ten times for you
if you are her child, husband or sibling. She was an epitome of kindness”.
Agberawenhosefe Veronica Igiebor (Nee Aigbangbee) Late Pa Sunday Igiebor’s wife was born into the
family of Pa and Lady Aibangbee in
1959. She grew up in Benin City under the tutelage of her parents
who gave her some of the best trainings life could offer. The only snag was the
fact that she lost her dad at a very tender age. After her secondary school
education, she learnt the skill of marketing and later established her own
fabric business at the famous Uwa Market in Benin City. She grew to be loved by friends, family and
well-wishers. In her life time, Veronica
was not just hard working, but was equally a caring, loving and very hospitable
wife, mother and sister. She could go to any extent to make her children happy
and equally make her husband achieve his goal and objectives. According to a
family source who spoke to Asabeafrika “Mama can go to any length even if it means selling her last wrapper to
ensure that her children’s needs are met” “She will do that ten times for you
if you are her child, husband or sibling. She was an epitome of kindness”.
There was no doubt that both Vero and
her late husband Sunday had a glorious living experience on earth. What is
however surprising to many is the way the two used their demise to tell the
world that ‘What God has joined together, let no death put asunder’. As
husband and wife, their life was said to have influenced other people’s lives.
But Veronica
suffered a brief illness in the later part of 2016 which she couldn’t pull through from, and at exactly 10:46 pm
on Wednesday November 16th,
she went to be with the Lord.
her late husband Sunday had a glorious living experience on earth. What is
however surprising to many is the way the two used their demise to tell the
world that ‘What God has joined together, let no death put asunder’. As
husband and wife, their life was said to have influenced other people’s lives.
But Veronica
suffered a brief illness in the later part of 2016 which she couldn’t pull through from, and at exactly 10:46 pm
on Wednesday November 16th,
she went to be with the Lord.
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| Mama’s Husband who passed away two weeks after her demise to join her in Love |
On learning of his wife’s death, Sunday
fell sick. He was love stricken. He couldn’t imagine a world without
his loving Vero beside him. He took ill and joined Vero 16 days later. The
super tailor of Benin City went to be with his beloved wife on Friday, December
2nd, 2016, sixteen clear days from the date of her demise. He was buried early in the year.
fell sick. He was love stricken. He couldn’t imagine a world without
his loving Vero beside him. He took ill and joined Vero 16 days later. The
super tailor of Benin City went to be with his beloved wife on Friday, December
2nd, 2016, sixteen clear days from the date of her demise. He was buried early in the year.
Tributes by Mama’s Children
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| Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe aka R.O.C. |
While Speaking with this blog,
Mama’s second son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe aka R.O.C described his mum
as a woman with milk of human kindness flowing in her gene “My Mum was a very kind and caring mother who took education and
discipline serious in her life time”
Mama’s second son, Comrade Igiebor Samuel Eghe aka R.O.C described his mum
as a woman with milk of human kindness flowing in her gene “My Mum was a very kind and caring mother who took education and
discipline serious in her life time”
He continued “She was a loving and caring mother who showed love endlessly. Self
sacrifice was the only way of life she knew, she gave even when she doesn’t
have. I am yet to see someone like that, someone who is ready to sacrifice
her last penny for you. My mother was not just kind to her children
alone, she extended same gesture to friends, family and relatives, and in fact she
was very hospitable and also had a forgiving heart”.
sacrifice was the only way of life she knew, she gave even when she doesn’t
have. I am yet to see someone like that, someone who is ready to sacrifice
her last penny for you. My mother was not just kind to her children
alone, she extended same gesture to friends, family and relatives, and in fact she
was very hospitable and also had a forgiving heart”.
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| Mama’s Event Invite Card |
“When she loved, it was from the depth of her heart, when
she gave, she gave all. When she speaks, even the Lord listened. To others, she
may be just a woman, but to us she is a Mother, good wife, Confidant,
Protector, and Intercessor. She bore affliction with a smile, even till her
last day on earth”
she gave, she gave all. When she speaks, even the Lord listened. To others, she
may be just a woman, but to us she is a Mother, good wife, Confidant,
Protector, and Intercessor. She bore affliction with a smile, even till her
last day on earth”
Comrade Igiebor who was emotional while speaking gave more
insight to the personality of his beloved mother in the home fronts “She was a
wonderful Wife to our Father. I think She was a very peculiar person because
she lived above her age; since I was born and right from my growing years to my
adult age, and even up to when I became a man, I have never seen my Mum Insult
my dad. In fact, I used to tell my friends that my Mum is a matrimonial mentor
to most women because she is so articulate in handling marital matter. I
wouldn’t know where she got that sense”
insight to the personality of his beloved mother in the home fronts “She was a
wonderful Wife to our Father. I think She was a very peculiar person because
she lived above her age; since I was born and right from my growing years to my
adult age, and even up to when I became a man, I have never seen my Mum Insult
my dad. In fact, I used to tell my friends that my Mum is a matrimonial mentor
to most women because she is so articulate in handling marital matter. I
wouldn’t know where she got that sense”
“My parting words to her is this ‘MUM, you will forever
remain in our heart, rest in the bosom of the Almighty God until we meet again
and depart no more”
In her own tribute to her mum, Mama’s last child and only daughter Miss
Onaiwu Blessing Igiebor aka BBG described her mum as her hero “My Mother is ‘rare gem, she was a caring mother,
a woman of honor who will go out of her way to do things for us just to make us
comfortable. I will really miss her because she was my hero, my mentor, my all
in all and everything good you can think of”
Onaiwu Blessing Igiebor aka BBG described her mum as her hero “My Mother is ‘rare gem, she was a caring mother,
a woman of honor who will go out of her way to do things for us just to make us
comfortable. I will really miss her because she was my hero, my mentor, my all
in all and everything good you can think of”
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| Mama’s daughter Miss Igiebor Blessing aka BBG |
On her relationship with mu, BBG
said “Mum was so concerned about my
career and encouraged me to be hard working. My Mother work hard to support my
father so that I and my siblings can go
to school and amount to something in life but unfortunately God called her home
and took her from us when we least expected. My word for her is simple, ‘MUM,
we love you but God loves you most. Rest in peace, my loving and wonderful Mum”
said “Mum was so concerned about my
career and encouraged me to be hard working. My Mother work hard to support my
father so that I and my siblings can go
to school and amount to something in life but unfortunately God called her home
and took her from us when we least expected. My word for her is simple, ‘MUM,
we love you but God loves you most. Rest in peace, my loving and wonderful Mum”
