Oginibo in a Celebration Mood as Dr. Henry Kojo Finally Lays Mother To Rest in a Grand Style
By Wilson Macaulay – Warri
The serene Community of Oginibo in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State was transformed into a spectacle of celebration on Friday, December 13, 2024, as Dr. Henry Kojo, a prominent Lagos-based business tycoon, laid his mother, the Matriarch of the Kojo family, Mrs. Victoria Oghenerume Kojo (née Akpochabor), to rest in an event marked by grandeur and reverence.
The elaborate burial ceremony, held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oginibo, brought together an impressive array of dignitaries, family members, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond, united in celebrating the life of a woman whose legacy of faith, compassion, and service continues to inspire generations.
The burial ceremony attracted a gallery of illustrious guests . The quality and the social stratification of the personalities on ground during the burial ceremony underscores the far-reaching influence of our late Mother,Mrs. Victoria Kojo.
Roll Call of dignitaries
Dignitaries present during the burial ceremony includes ,
Hon. Deacon Ken Pela, former Delta State Governorship aspirant (Labour Party)
Hon. Sleek Oshare, a prominent political leader in Ughelli South
Sir Kekeje Isaiah, APC Chairman, Ughelli South LGA
Hon. Sir Cornelius Semiteje, retired Permanent Secretary, Delta State Civil Service Commission,
Hon. Viv Tonwe Pela, a Warri-based business mogul,
Olorogun Okiemute Oviri Okwagbe, JP, Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Special Duties, Barr Otto Aghoghophia , the Chief Clerk Delta State House of Assembly, Sir Felix Kporhotor,
Sir Robinson Djebah ,Sir David Djebah,
Olorogun Clement Djebah.
Also Present was Bishop Votu Vhovhen, Rev Fr (Major) Paul Edagwhare
Barr. Pippa Emanuel, APC Chieftain, Ughelli South LGA, Barr. Michael Djebah, President of Ughwievwen Elite Forum, Lagos, Evang Engr Lucky Oviro Chane, representing the Torere Family of Oginibo, Elder Maxwell Sagua, representing the Wagheyan Family of Ophorigbala and Sir Sunny Kokor, SSA Media to the Delta State Governor.
There was a contingency from Lagos, which included Pastor Mrs. Nnkiru Azubuike of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Kings Court, Victoria Island) and Pastor Eric Yoroh, of the same parish were also present,
Sir Sunday Asiegbu, Mike Ogu, Anthony. Asiegbu, Engr Segun lffie, representing HPE Nigeria, Chief Chidi Olife , DR Godson Agbim, Pastor DR Sunday Mukoro, MD Coscharis Technologies Nigeria Limited, Dr Israel Kwode (Consultant) and Olorogun Engr Festus Kwode, a Lagos based business tycoon and consultant, Elder Dan Siloko
alongside the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) from Warri and Oginibo, St Vincent Old Boys Association.There was a large array of extended family members which were on ground to celebrate the blissful memories of late Mama Kojo during the burial.
A Life Worth Celebrating
At the heart of the gathering was the celebration of a life well-spent. Late Mrs. Victoria Oghenerume Kojo, who passed on at the age of 80, was described as a pillar of strength and a beacon of light. Known for her devout Christian faith, unyielding kindness, and commitment to her family and community, she left an indelible mark on all who encountered her.
The Solemn Funeral Mass
The funeral Mass which was held at St Joseph Catholic Church Oginibo was both emotional and uplifting service . It began with a solemn procession accompanied by soul-stirring hymns. Rev. Fr. Dr. Edmund Emakpor, Rev Fr Peter Dedekuma and others officiated. In his sermon titled “Jesus is the Way” (John 14), the clergy man highlighted the significance of living a life centered on faith, legacy, service to God and humanity. He drew parallels between the teachings of Christ and the exemplary life of late Mrs. Victoria Kojo, describing her as a woman of unwavering faith.
In his reflections, Fr. Emakpor noted:
“Mama Victoria always attributed her successes and blessings to the grace of God. She left a legacy-driven life that will remain a source of inspiration to many.”
Heartfelt Tributes
Indeed there was a torrent of tributes at the grave side from the Clergies, Community leaders, friends and family members . Dr. Henry Kojo, in a heartfelt speech, described his late mother as a guiding light whose teachings shaped his faith and resilience. He announced a significant donation for the tiling of the floor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oginibo, as a lasting memorial to his late Mother . This donation was generously supported by friends and well wishers to uplift the work of God in St Joseph Catholic Church Oginibo.
DR Henry Kojo expressed gratitude to all in attendance saying:
“” My special thanks to the Clergies of St Joseph Catholic Church Oginibo and beyond for the wonderful show of love,
I thank the Kojo Family from Okwagbe, to the Torore Family of Oginibo where Mama hails from, l say God bless you all,
I thank everyone . To the Jovi Family l owe them a debt of gratitude. My in-laws from the East recognized that your presence has made the burial ceremony a huge success.
“Our beloved mother was not just a pillar of the family but also a force of nature in her community. Her legacy will remain evergreen, and we are committed to honoring her memory by upholding the values she instilled in us.”
A Grand Farewell
The meticulously planned event was spearheaded by Chief Goddey Ojumah, Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, who praised the collective efforts of all involved. He expressed gratitude for the successful execution of the event, which he described as a befitting farewell for a remarkable woman.
The event concluded with a reception at the family play ground that showcased the cultural richness of Delta State, featuring traditional music, sumptuous meals, and a display of solidarity from family and friends. The lbo cultural troupe was on ground to grace the occasion as they entertained the audience with ibo native music with pomp and pageantry.
Legacy of a Remarkable Woman
Late Mrs. Victoria Oghenerume Kojo (née Akpochabor) will be remembered as a Matriarch who embodied grace, faith, and compassion. Her life was a testament to the enduring power of love and service, leaving behind a legacy that her family and community will cherish for generations.
As Dr. Henry Kojo, alongside his siblings and extended family, bid late Mama final farewell, they promised to keep her memory alive.
The Community of Oginibo as at Press time was still in the euphoria of the echoes of the grandiose farewell as a reminder of the enduring legacy of a woman whose life was a blessing to everyone who cross her path during her journey on planet earth.
