Chief Dr Gabriel Chukwuma Etaoghenevwegba Oyibode, reading his mum biography at St Kelvin College Kokori Inland on the ocassion when his mum Mrs Juliana Oghenekevwe Emonefe was laid to rest recently.
By Onoriode Etatsemi.
It was a gathering of who is who at Kokori Inland, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, as Chief Dr, Gabriel Chukwuma Etaoghenevwegba Oyibode a one time governorship aspirant in the state buried his mother in a grand style.
The venue of the reception party at St. Kelvin College, Kokori Inland was a beehive of activities as the creme of the society joined Oyibode family to bid their departed mum, Mrs Juliana Oghenekevwe Emonefe their last respect after a service of songs at her resident along Ugboroke, behind Airport Road Effurun.
The officiating minister, Bishop Jeremiah Ejaromedoghene in his brief homily before she was committed to mother earth in her ancestral home, enjoined Christians to live a better life while on earth.
He said, ” while you are on this earth, do the best you can to establish a better relationship with God and mankind. Your deeds will live after you. So why not do good and be judged rightly after you depart this mother earth ”
He enjoined the children to emulate the good legacy of their mother who not only devoted her time to the service of God but did well to see that all her children lived a better life.
Bishop Ejaromedoghene prayed for the children and every member of the family to live longer on earth and be very active in the house hood of God.
Chief Oyibode, in his tribute to his mum had this to say , ” what a beautiful day that emotionally romances with the sad news of your departure!. Tears roling down endlessly like the mighty rushing wind as the news of your demise pricked the heart of many, even many are yet to recover from the shock that came with your departure ”
” Dear beloved Mummy, you will always be remembered for your motherly love and care . When I think of the bond of oneness which you formidably established within us, your children, I am indebted to you. Your passion and commitment to the rising and fulfilment of your children, family and friends are vacuums nobody can fill” He added.
He continued, ” Your doggedness in defending the right of your children, people around you, advocating for justice, peaceful coexistence and unity within the family and the organisations you championed, has made you an outstanding leader ”
Oyibode concluded as he said, ” it is my earnest prayers that God grant you peace and eternal rest till we meet to part no more . Mummy, I will forever miss you ! I love you but God loves you most”
Late Mrs Juliana Oghenekevwe Emonefe, was born on 5th March, 1952 in Lagos to the family of late Pa David Owahara Edema Oviri of Ekpagha Street, in Kokori Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area and late Mrs ( Madam ) Comfort Akwara Ojovru of Echemidara Oviri Court, in Okpe Local Government Area, both of Delta State.
Mama enrolled at Jamattu Muslim primary school, Abule Olupe, Lagos state. Her studiousness and high academic performances gave her recognition and standing ovation as the best graduating pupil in her set.
In 1963, Mummy proceeded to Jimirattu Muslim secondary school, Isolo Lagos state where she bagged her General Certificate in Education. She was so passionate to further her education to a higher level but her dream of furthering her education was truncated while she got married to late Engineer Samson Ogwu at the age of sixteen.
The marriage was blessed with two illustrious children, Chief Dr Gabriel Chukwuma Etaoghenevwegba Oyibode and Pastor Blessing Oyibode. Unfortunately, Engineer Samson died at the age 39.
After the demise of late Engineer Samson Oyibode, late madam Juliana remarried to late chief Sunday Emonefe who was retired Custom officer, where she had eleven other children. Her passion to succeed kept burning, mama went into fashion business in Lagos in the 70s. She was a seamstress and one of the major dealers of fabrics in Lagos state during her time.
On her return to Delta State, she continued to express her entrepreneurship skills. She established Jully Beauty Salon in Kokori Inland with a mega branch in Warri, alongside other multifaceted businesses. Her hair salon business gave her the opportunity to empower and train young men and women in the skill of hair dressing.
She was a dedicated Christian mother, who used to pray for success of her family and loved ones. She was a strict disciplinarian and a wonderful woman. She was a philanthropist, selfless with a knack for seeing what others could not see. She was a woman of peace. Until her death, she was a member of many social clubs and chairperson of Iroro social club in Kokori Inland.
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