The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the family of late Mrs. Mary Uyinmwen Igiebor, over the passing of their matriarch who died at the age of 96.
The governor, who paid a condolence visit to the family’s residence in Benin City, encouraged members of the family to be thankful for a life well spent.
Obaseki was accompanied on the visit by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Legal Adviser to the State Government, Oluwole Iyamu, and the Chairman of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tony Aziegbemi, among other top government functionaries and State party leaders.
The governor, who described late Mrs. Mary Igiebor as a compassionate and caring mother, hailed her contributions to the development of the State.
He said, “We are here to join our sister, Lawretta Uhunwangho and family to commiserate and also celebrate with them on the passing of their mother who was one of us.
“Nevis Road is one of the first roads I built when we started in 2016/2017 and Mama was my chief supervisor. She usually comes to be with the supervisor and will pray and pray. So, you can imagine how we feel that she is not here again.
“We are however thankful to God that in her lifetime, she saw the change that she did not believe would be possible. She saw her neighborhood regenerated; businesses came back and rental value of properties, including her own, went up. That is the most we could have done for her.”
The governor added, “We have come to let you know that like you, we will miss Mama. She had many children both biological and many of us who are non-biological, yet she loved us as much as she loved you, her own biological children.
“So, we must join hands with you to make sure we give her a befitting burial. We are with you and whatever we need to do for Mama, we will do.”
Obaseki further charged: “Be glad that we had a mother like her who lived to the extent she did – healthy and happy- and pray that wherever she is now, she should be resting in the bosom of the Lord.”
Responding on behalf of the family, the first daughter of the late Mrs. Mary Igiebor, Deaconess Lawretta Uhunwangho, expressed appreciation to the governor for the visit, noting, “Your coming has given me joy and strength and for this that you have done for my family, thank you.”