It was all eulogies on Tuesday for late Pastor (Mrs.) Emily Okhenren Aig- Imoukhuede, mother of the former managing director of Access Bank, Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, as the children held a service of songs for her in her home town, Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local government area of Edo State where the presiding priest, Reverend Augustine Ehigiemetor Ohilebo urged them to emulate their late mother’s good deeds while on earth.
Rev. Ehigiemetor Ohilebo of the St. John Cathedral, Sabongida-Ora Diocese of the Anglican Communion, in his sermon titled, “Let not your heart be in troubled” taken from the book of John 14:1-3, said their mother did not die but with the Lord in heaven.
He likened the deceased to the Biblical Dorcas who contributed meaningfully to the survival of widows in her time and therefore urged the children to use whatever position they occupy to alleviate the plight of the poor in the society. The cleric stressed that those who should have their minds troubled are those who don’t live right, and don’t know God.
In his speech, the acting Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, similarly urged the children of the late Aig-Imoukhuede to emulate her virtues and sustain her legacies for the betterment of the society. Speaking at the reception that followed at the premises of Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora, Shaibu attributed the success of the late pastor’s children to the moral discipline instilled in them, adding that to continue with her legacies, they have to completely reject those things she hated while alive.
“When she was alive, she lived a good life. Those virtues that Emily had, those virtues that she taught us, the best way to celebrate her now is to do those things that she wanted us to do, avoid those things she had always told us not to do.
“My brothers, we celebrate you; my sisters, we celebrate you not just because you are from Edo State. We celebrate you because you have been able to transform the gift of God in you, and had a complete sector working in this country.
“When we call your name, obviously we will remember Access Bank. And for us, when we call on you, we remember the intellectual prowess and your managerial skills that have developed the sector”, he said.
In his remarks, first son of the deceased, Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, said he would miss his late mother’s words of advice and monthly prayer text messages. The first daughter of the deceased, Dr. Erekpitan Ola-Adisa, said her mother’s humility and selfless service to God and humanity were what she would miss about her.
“My mom loved God with her whole heart and her whole might. She loved her people, Ora people. She loved humanity; she served her family, and she served everyone with all that she had. I will always remember her for her sacrificial life, her humility and her devotion to God”, she stated.
Speaking on behalf of the extended family, Prof. Emeritus Oje Aisiku, described his late aunty as a pillar of support to the entire family, stating that she would be sorely missed by all. Aisiku urged the children to take solace in the good life their mother led, while on his part, he would work on himself to be a better person so that he would see her on that resurrection morning.
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