Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan set to bury mum

Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan

All is now set for the final journey home of Nigeria’s First Lady’s mother, Madam Charity Fyneface Oba, whose demise occurred July 22, 2013.

 The burial activities will commence on Thursday, October 31, 2013, with a brief Service Of Songs at the Port Harcourt Polo Club, GRA Phrase 2. It will continue on Friday, November 1, 2013, with a Funeral Service at the National Field, Okrika, followed by interment at her husband’s compound at Ambemembiri, Okrika, and reception later for guests at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Late Sir S. P.U. Ogan, the Amayanabo of Okrika.

 To give a befitting funeral rites to his Mother-in-Law, the President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is expected in Port Harcourt tomorrow (Thursday) as the body of late Madam Charity Fyneface Oba leaves Kpaima Mortuary same day for her residence at King Perekule Street, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers State by 8:00am.

Below is a Biography of Senior Mother Charity Onyekwululachiya Fyneface Oba (Mama Sisi).

 In the year 1946, a baby girl was born into the family of Late Mr Oriaku Ezuruike and Late Mrs Okanma Oriaku Ezuruike of Umunlewe Umuekwule Afugiri, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.

 The baby was Senior Mother Charity Onyekwululachiya. She was the last and only female child of this marriage. She grew up like any other child. Mama Sisi, as she was popularly called by her children, attended Methodist Central School, Afugiri. During her brief stay in school, she was a brilliant student but had to withdraw from school in standard three because of the sudden death of her parents and lack of sponsorship. After the death of her parents, she stayed with her aunt in Onisha, who introduced her to trading.

 Senior Mother Charity Onyekwululachiya was married to Late Mr Amagberepakakie Fyneface Oba of Sokobe War Canoe House in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State in 1971. She was a devoted and loving wife, caring mother not only to her children but also to other children in the family. Her marriage to Late Mr Amagberepakakie Fyneface was blessed with many children. Mama Sisi brought up her children in the fear of God. She did not spare the rod and spoil the child.

Mama Sisi was an accomplished business woman. She started modestly. As her business grew, she diversified into the sale of snails, dry-fish, frozen foods and textiles. She later became an employer of labour with over thirty employees in her various businesses. Mama Sisi was an industrious, energetic and widely travelled business woman.

 She was truly a mother in Israel who gave her very best to her children and transformed many lives positively. Her house was a rallying point for people from Aba, Abasi-biye, Benin, Calabar, Down-blow, Jos, Lagos, River-Seven, Umuahia and all other places where her trade took her to. She was a bridge builder and an instrument of change.

 Late Senior Mother Charity was a devout Christian who loved the things of the Lord. She joined the Cherubim and Seraphim Church at Onisha when she was staying with her aunt. She continued with the Church after she got married and went to live in Port Harcourt. She was an active member, chorister, prayer warrior and ordained Senior Lady Leader.

 In 1990, she joined the Sabbath Church, due to her passion for the work of the Lord. She gave bountifully to support the propagation of the Gospel and strongly believed that God will work in your vineyard if you work for Him. Her dedication to charity earned her the rank of Senior Mother. She was a member of both Sabbath Women Conference (S.W.C), and United Council of Sabbath International (U.C.S.I), Port Harcourt. She was indeed, the Dorcas of our generation.

 In line with her name Charity, Mama Sisi was indeed a charitable woman. Despite all odds she faced as an orphan, her kind and forgiving disposition did not wane. She was benevolent and compassionate; she was a good listener and an epitome of humility. She never tolerated injustice. All these qualities made her people, the Afugiri Federated Union, (Women’s Wing) to honour her with the highly esteemed titled of Ada Ukwul of Nlewe.

 Mama Sisi was a healthy woman, full of life till the cold hands of death suddenly snatched her away from us on that fateful day of 22^nd July, 2013.