NDDC Chairman, Delta Assembly CPS, NUJ Leaders, Others Honour Late Mama Omoaregba

Dignitaries from all walks of life have joined the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Nkem Nwaeke, his wife, Dr (Mrs) Mary Efekhoba Nwaeke, and the entire Omoaregba family to bid farewell to their matriarch, Late Mama Grace Sarah Ikeke Omoaregba, who died at the age of 84.

The burial ceremony, which commenced on Thursday with a funeral Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ovbiomu-Emai in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, was followed by her interment at her home in Ovbiomu.

The solemn occasion attracted prominent personalities, family members, friends and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased octogenarian.

At a grand reception held in Benin City, the Board, Management and Staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by its Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Esq., were present to honour the late matriarch and identify with the family during the period of mourning.

Also present were the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Chief Festus Ahon, members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Alumni of the University of Benin, Delta State University, Abraka, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, and representatives of several communities, including a large delegation from the agrarian community of Igbodo in Ika North East of Delta State.

Other notable attendees included colleagues of the deceased's children and in-laws, relatives, friends and well-wishers from across the globe.

There were musical and cultural displays and several other side attractions that added colour to the celebration of life.

Late Mama Grace Sarah Ikeke Omoaregba was born on December 10, 1942 and passed away on September 25, 2026.

Married to her heartthrob, Pa J. D. Omoaregba, the late Mrs Omoaregba is survived by ten biological children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several relatives.

In a eulogy entitled, "Tribute To A Virtuous Mother”, the Delta Speaker’s CPS, Nkem Nwaeke described Mama Omoaregba as a rare gem whose kindness and prayers will never be forgotten.

Nwaeke paid glowing tribute to the late octogenarian as a mother of uncommon virtue, whose gentle spirit, legacies of good deeds, boundless love, wise counsel and unconditional support would endure.

He said, “Your kindness, your wise counsel, your prayers and your unconditional love will never be forgotten. You were a virtuous woman to the core”.

Nwaeke noted that he and his children would greatly miss the gentle spirit of the late mother Inlaw.

“Though we would have loved to have you around for many more years, we thank God for the gift of your life and for all you stood for. Your grandchildren and I will surely miss your gentle spirit, even as your good deeds continue to speak for you”, he added.

The CPS prayed for the peaceful repose of his noble mother-in-law in the bosom of the Almighty, and for the souls of all the faithful departed.