From left: Deputy Director, Corporate Communications, NIMASA, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh and younger brother of the NIMASA-image maker, Mr. Peter Osamgbi during the funeral mass at The Catholic Church of Assumption, Zappa, Asaba, Delta State at the weekend.

BY FRANCIS EZEM

Encomiums, emotions and grief poured freely at the weekend as the remains of Ezinne (Mrs.) Dorothy Ndukoso Osamgbi (Nee Eluemunor), mother of the Deputy Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Public Communications; Mr. Isichei Osamgbi was laid to rest in her country home in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Fondly called ‘Area Mama’ and ‘Nmadu Bu Goment’ by children, grandchildren, relations and other admirers, late Madam Osambgi had begun her final home journey on Thursday, October 25, 2018, with a vigil Mass held at The Catholic Church of Assumption, Zappa, Asaba.

In an emotion laden speech at a funeral mass held on Friday at The Catholic Church of Assumption, Zappa, Asaba, which was followed by her internment, Mr. Osambgi extolled the virtues of his late mum, saying her unwavering faith in the Almighty God, commitment to peace and unity had the greatest influence not only on her children and other family members, but also anyone that interfaced with her.

He cited an instance when the late mum became so sick about 20 years ago, when many big teaching hospitals in the country wrote her off but that she kept her faith in the Almighty God very strong against all odds, insisting that she would not die, which led to her miraculous recovery and restoration to the amazement of many.

He also said that his late mother’s commitment to peace making, bridge building, unity of the family and generosity also influenced her children and other family members greatly.

Present at the well-attended funeral was the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, and several other top management, middle cadre and junior members of staff of the agency, who trouped out in their large numbers to commiserate with one of their own.

Also in attendance were Nigeria’s former Petroleum Secretary, Chief Philip Asiodu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one-time Minister of State for Education, Professor Viola Onwuliri and top echelon of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi family, among several other dignitaries too numerous to mention.

Mr. Osamgbi who expressed his appreciation on behalf of the family to all those who attended in person and many others that sent representatives, prayed the Almighty God to grant them safe trip to their respective destinations.

Born on May, 23, 1933 into the family of Diokpa & Mrs. Fidelis Nwaoboli Eluemunor of Ogbeaku, Abuedo Quarters, Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, late Mrs. Dorothy Ndukoso Osamgbi, started her educational pursuit at St. Jarret’s Catholic School, Bukuru. She later proceeded to St. Theresa’s Catholic School, Jos in 1949.

Following her search for greener pastures, Mama moved her services to Leventis Stores as a sales lady. During this period, she passed an entrance to study Nursing due to her love humanity. But her dream of studying Nursing was dashed due to the northernisation policy of the then northern regional government. Since her hope of becoming a nurse was dashed, she got another opportunity with an appointment from the Fagge Dispensary under the present-day Nasarawa State Government.

In 1963, while working in Kano, she met Ogbueshi Alexander Chukwuma Osamgbi of Nnikwu family, Umaji Quarters, Asaba and they go married after some years.