Friends and family members of the late Madam Esther Omoche Onuh have gathered to celebrate the life of the deceased businesswoman and philanthropist at a service of songs held in her honour in Lagos.
The service of songs also witnessed the launch of a foundation, ‘Esther Omoche Foundation for Women and Girls Empowerment’ in memory of the values and culture of the Late Madam Onuh.
While addressing the congregation, Betty Abah, the first daughter of the Late Madam Onuh and Executive Director of a non-government organisation, Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE), shared that her late mother was a committed and devoted Christian who was generous and loving.
Expressing how difficult it has been to cope with the death of her mother, Abah explained that, “No one can replace a mother and I think ‘Mother’ and ‘Death’ should not be found together.
“All the virtues we inculcated as children were taken from my mother who was committed, truthful transparent, full of integrity, and lived her life for the people. She brought us up in a disciplined manner.
“My mother was extremely modest, she sold her property to educate her children and it is extremely painful for us that she died just when she started reaping the fruit of her labour. Why do good people who have enriched the planet die?” Abah asked.
One of the children, Pst Okeson Onuh, who xrayed some spiritual truth about his late mother explained that his mother was an idol worshipper who was converted to Christianity in 1986 and has since been committed to serving God, despite numerous attempts that could have made her lose her faith.
Pst Onuh noted that though his mother’s death is painful, the family is consoled that she has gone to rest with the Lord.
Venerable Okey Ifionu, a clergy from the Anglican Communion, while delivering a sermon at the service of songs highlighted the importance of doing good, because everyone will die.
“We are here today to celebrate a life well spent, and the testimonies of people around have indicated that Mama lived a sacrificial life. If you die, will it be same about you?” He asked.
Launching the foundation, Rev (Dr.) Nnimmo Bassey, eminent environmentalist and a former boss to the deceased’s daughter Betty Abah, explained that with what he has read and heard about the Late madam Onuh, he can testify that her life principle was centered around truth, compassion, generosity, fear of God, hardwork and she was sacrificial in her giving.
Nnimmo Bassey also tasked people to use the opportunity to reflect on their life and ensure that they are remembered for good, whenever they pass on to glory.
family members of the deceased including her four children and two grandchildren, friends of the children, several members from communities across Lagos with whom her daughter Betty works including Makoko, Monkey Village, and Ifelodun, and several members of the Lagos civil society community amongst others.
The final burial for the deceased will take place in Otukpo, Benue State.