Oginibo Agog as Dr. Henry Kojo Finally Lays Mother To Rest in a Grand Style

By Wilson Macaulay

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

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.