Dignitaries from across Isoko land, Delta State, the nation and abroad gathered in thousands to commiserate with the family of Chief (Dr.) Matt Offeh, the Managing Director of Lesoda Oil and Gas Limited and his siblings at the interment of his mother, the matriarch of the Chief Humphrey Offeh household in Irri Kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State on April 2, 2016.
Mama Comfort Oneke Offeh (nee Udiseh) had passed on December 1, 2015 after a brief illness aged 74 .
First son of Mama Comfort, Chief (Dr.) Matt Offeh was at the starting line with Mrs. Elo Offeh Abolo, Rev. Emma Offeh and eight other sisters to receive distinguished dignitaries from all walks of life who came to express their condolences.
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In his homily, the Parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Irri, Rev. Fr. Peter Kosunye extolled the virtues of Mama Comfort Oneke Offeh who was a devout Catholic, a community leader and a woman whose hands were always open to render help to those who needed assistance. He asked the congregation to emulate her devotion and service to God because it was the way of heavenly recognition.
Father Kosunye reminded the church that after life, comes judgement and it behoves on sojourners on earth to live for Christ in uprightness.
The body, brought in a horse drawn carriage, was put to rest beside where her late husband lay in the family mausoleum amidst songs of praise to God.
Condolence messages poured in from dignitaries amongst whom were Senator James Manager, CON , representing Delta South Senatorial District and chairman Senate committee on Power . He said, “I mourn with the Offeh family at this period of great loss. Mama was a devoted Christian and great community leader”.
In his message, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor urged Mama’s children to ” be comforted with her legacy of life spiced with uprightness, humility, contentment and patience” which he urged the children and grandchildren to replicate.
The Deputy Speaker, Delta State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Comr) Friday Ossai Osanebi regarded the loss as “painful at this time”.
“I am very sure that she will live forever in our hearts,” he added.
The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi representing Ughelli North/Ughelli South /Udu Federal Constituency said, “Mama Oneke may have transited to the spirit but her good name is still very much with us as a pious Christian who devoted her life to the teachings of Christ, a selfless philanthropist, who touched so many lives during her sojourn on earth”.
He prayed further for strength, courage, and fortitude to bear the loss on the family left behind.
Member representing Abia North /Abia South Federal Constituency, Abia State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Prestige Ossy C. E. O. Ossy received the “sad news of the demise of Mama Comfort Oneke Offeh at the age of 74 with heavy hearts”.
He described her as a “kindhearted and devoted Catholic Christian mother and a respected Family and Community leader”.
“She will be sorely missed “, he continued.
Hon. Prestige Ossy brought the condolences of his family and the good people of his Constituency.
In her message, Hon. (Mrs) Orezi Esievo representing Isoko South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, saw mama Comfort’s death as “painful”. “She was a respected member of the OVERFLOW team. It was an honour and pleasure working with her “.
Hon. Chief (Sir) Malik Ikpokpo, Chairman, Isoko South Local Government conveyed the “profound condolences of his “family, government and the entire people of Isoko South Local Government to” the Offeh household.
He prayed for the repose of Mama Comfort’s soul. He exhorted the family to take solace in “mama’s indelible and worthy legacies”.
In his own tribute, the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor saw Mama Comfort as “a Colossus to the women folk and the community” whose “wise counsel” would be missed.
Messages of Condolence also came from Chief Solomon Ogba, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary in Delta State; Umeh Kalu Esq., Hon. Attorney – General & Commissioner for Justice, Abia State; Hon. Oghenekaro Ilolo, Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal; Parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Irri, Rev. Fr. Peter Kosunye; Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide; Rev.( Dr.) Emmanuel Israel Omasere of Power Ministries , Longview Texas, USA; HRM Engr. Mike Oviese, HRM ENGR, Regent of Irri Kingdom on behalf of His Royal Majesty Ojenuwe 11, The Odio Ologbo Of Irri Kingdom; Irri Development Union; Irri Town Chairman, Hon. Igorigo Godday Excellence; Chief Obasi Lawson, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association Of Nigeria; Hon. Boma Iyaye, Commissioner for Sports, Rivers State; Raeanna Nigeria Limited; CP Joshak Haviland, psc (+), Commissioner Of Police, Abia State Command; and a host of others.
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Biography
Comfort Oneke Offeh (née Udiseh) was born in 1941 at Irri town and died in 2015 at age 74. She was a devout Catholic and quintessential mother.
She is survived by 9 daughters, 2 sons, 40 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a sister.
All her daughters, their husbands, sons, their wives, many grandchildren and great grandchildren were present from different parts of Nigeria and the globe to participate in the funeral obsequies which started with a Service of Songs on 1st of April, 2016, Funeral Rites and Reception on the 2nd of April with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday the 3rd of April 2016.
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