By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Ibusa town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, paid tributes to the late wife of Hon. Peter Okocha, aka Bobo Nkiti, during her funeral service held in Ibusa town amidst tributes, emotions, tears and agony.
On his part, the Chief mourner and husband of the deceased, Hon. Peter Okocha aka Bobo Nkiti said his late wife Pharm. Bridget Okocha died in her faith as she did not waver in the service of God and was his anchor and vowed never to forget her or refer to her in the past tense, promising to keep her memory alive in his heart.
“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories we shared forever,” Okocha said with emotion. He appreciated his children, family, in-laws ,friends ,guests and sympathizers for standing by his family in his trying period.
The colourful ceremony brought together families, in-laws , relatives, friends and well-wishers who came from near and wide to bid her farewell and pay their last respects.
Pharm.( Mrs) Bridget Okocha lived a life of purpose. She was a Pharmacist, mother, and a friend to many. Though her demise came to many as a shock, but she was indeed a virtuous woman. She was loved by the people and her sterling straightforwardness, honesty, trustworthiness and kindness distinguished her among her peers.
The solemn funeral service was conducted in her husband’s family company in Ibusa, and the Celebrant emphasized that Mrs. Okocha’s transition was to be with her maker –the Almighty God.
After the interment, there was a reception for guests at same venue in Ibusa. The reception began with the traditional presentation of wedged kolanut, and entertainments of guest with drinks and food.
In a tribute in her honour, Chief Ambrose Elue-Dike ,who represented Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi said that the occasion was an opportunity for one to engage in sober reflection over the certainty of death as the end of mortals.
Dike further stated that death symbolizes the power and total authority of God over his creation and urged the family of late Pharm. Bridget Okocha to be consoled as God knows all, praying that the death of Pharm. Bridget Okocha will further unite the Okocha family – Dike said.
He noted that death is not the end for believers but the beginning of a new phase and urged the Okocha family to bear the loss with fortitude.
Chief Victor Nwodo, who commended families, friends and in-laws for coming to sympathize with Hon. Peter Okocha, said though Pharm. Bridget Okocha was no more, the fact that she lived her life in accordance with the Christian belief, inspired hope in those living and prayed to God to give her soul eternal rest.
In a funeral oration, Hon. Okocha, who is also the APC Youth Leader of Oshimili North, described his late wife as a true Christian warrior, who had an abiding passion and love for Christ. He said that his late wife was his “main anchor bar” in his political career, his confidant and his friend. He thanks his in-laws from Ogbe -Onitsha in Issele Azagba who play on unforgettable during this burial of their beloved daughter Pharm. Bridget Okocha.
The ceremony was graced by many personalities – Hon Pat Mozia, Dr Ben Iwezu, Hon. Henry Mordi, Prof. Dan Okoro, Comrade Vincent Iwunor, Hon. Leo Nkeaka, Chief Austin Ndinwa( Okemilli), members of APC family, Ibusa Club , Rotary Club and other distinguished Nigerians graced the ceremony.
