The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has celebrated the life and legacies of late Deaconess (Dr.) Victoria Omorogieva Ojemudia (Nee Chief Gaius Ikuobase Obaseki) fondly called ‘Big Mummy,’ who died at the age of 96 years.
Obaseki, who was fostered by the late Deaconess Ojemudia, spoke glowingly about her life and times at the Night of Tributes held in her honour, at Horatio Marquee, in Benin City. He described her as an educationist to the core, disciplinarian, godly and a very realistic woman, as well as the glue that brought the family together.
He said, “Big mummy is an educationist to the core. She was an integral part of the Baptist family. She is a very realistic woman and a mother who in the last few years has been making preparations for her exit. She hoped she would celebrate her 96th birthday this year but every time we have sessions together, she sometimes calls to see the children because she wants to tidy up her affairs before she passes on.
“She was the glue that brought the family together and we would all miss her greatly. She had an encyclopedic mind as she remembered everybody, checked on everybody and cared for everybody. We have lost our matriarch. At various performances tonight, especially that of the children, we are reminded of her core values and that is what she stood for, which is our family values.”
The governor continued: “We should take solace in the fact that we had the privilege of having our matriarch for almost a century as she was quite generous with material things.
“For the Ogbeide-Oyo family, this is a great loss for us as we have lost our matriarch and we are sad and in mourning over her death.
“We appreciate the fact that she must be resting in the Lord because of the way she lived her life.”
Obaseki added, “I want to thank all who are present here today to celebrate with our lovely Big Mummy. The dignitaries present have made this appear like a State event and I can’t thank you all enough for this honour.”
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, during her tribute in honour of the matriarch’s contributions to the development of the State’s education sector, said her life was a shining example of love for children, family, society and nation at large.
She said, “She is a dedicated teacher and committed proprietor. Her life was built on faith, commitment and resilience. She possesses the ability to influence and infuse discipline to all that come across her. She is generous and always giving. She was a great disciplinarian and supporter of our EdoBEST reforms programme.”
Some of the guests at the occasion include the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Dr. Alex Oko.
