The Nation Newspaper

Tag: virtuous

  • Ondo, land of brave and virtuous

    This is Ondo State, the land of the brave and virtuous. This is a geographical space richly endowed by nature. This is our collective haven; an impregnable fortress for the protection of the weak and the underdog, a place where everyone is held and treated as important. We are proud inheritors of this enviable heritage from our forebears. We are bold, yet not foolhardy, resourceful, pragmatic and hospitable, but far from being stupid. We show understanding, readily, but resist all attempts by the impetuous and naïve, who mistake the craving for collaboration for the much-needed progress as weakness. We must remain consistent and resilient in the defence of this collective heritage.

    I should, therefore, hasten to admonish that there is indeed little or no time for endless celebrations. These appointments must be seen as a call to service at this critical juncture in the life of our dear state. As our administration renews its pledge to the people to be accountable at all times, there is the urgent need for rededication by all those who serve the public.  We must encourage broad and massive participation of our people in the business of government.

    Government and governance should not be stultifying abstractions, distant and disconnected from the service to which these modern concepts evolved to proffer. Those who lay claims to legitimacy of representation, as deriving from the people, must always keep their focus on this time-tested objective. Governance should not be reduced to a circus show; specious, ostentatious and profligate exhibition of inanities. Any decision or action of acclaimed representatives of the people must be an answer to identifiable socio-economic challenge. Elected and appointed public officials must subject their individual preferences to the collective will. Performance must be measured in terms of its positive impact on the people.

    If development is about the people, all decisions and actions must be for the realisation of this lofty objective. Any opportunity offered for service must be understood in this context. Nobody must consider his/her choice, out of numerous other equally eminent candidates, as an invitation to primitive self-aggrandisement. This administration will not permit it. Any conduct which seeks to perpetuate the misery of the people will be discouraged actively.

    No appointment is “juicy”. Every ministry, agency and established public office is important. This administration shall extend equal attention to all offices. It would be a mistake, with grave consequences, for anyone to act in a manner which negates decency and decorum. There will be zero tolerance for all acts considered unbecoming of patriotic indigenes of this state.  We will simply not allow them.

    As the ship of this administration finally gathers steam to set sail, it is pertinent to acquaint the good people of this state with the true financial situation. We believe it is important that our people should possess this information. This must not be construed as politics and we plead with our media practitioners to subject this information to the crucible of serious scrutiny and analysis.  The knowledge of true financial status of the state government will guide and moderate the craving desires of all and sundry. Expectations of performance from the government must be anchored on reality. Government officials must bear this fact in mind, always.  It will be easy for the people to show understanding when they know the truth.

    The economic condition of this state is precarious, depressingly so. We expend virtually all allocations and the insignificant revenue generated internally on recurrent expenditure. The internally generated revenue is very low. The huge debts owed by the state have been worsened by infrastructural deficit on ground. Yet we strive to discharge our obligations to creditors whose exactions on our very poor revenue militate, significantly, against planning.

    The government is looked upon as the major provider of succour to the people. Times are indeed very hard.  Job creation is a cardinal policy of the administration. We are not unmindful of the cynicism of our political opponents who believe that engaging our youths productively is a tall order.  We are, however, convinced of not only the possibility of making this objective a reality, but our activities will erase the doubts as we progress.  All hands must be on deck.

    This administration at inception met a staggering debt totalling N220,588,125,731.00 (Two hundred and twenty billion, five hundred and eighty-eight million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, seven hundred and thirty-one naira).

    With a total inherited debt of over N220 billion, it should not be difficult for anyone to know that the government’s capacity for seeming elastic adjustment to cater for the people has been stretched to its limit. There is no gain asserting the obvious; our administration is not in any position for frivolities. All of us must gird our loins for the great task ahead. The picture is not good. Therefore, all acts with the potential of pushing us deeper into economic crisis must be jettisoned. We earnestly promise to provide the needed leadership.

    Despite the challenges encountered by our administration since assumption of office, we have approached governance with resilient determination. Paucity of funds has been a major encumbrance as explained earlier. To put out this quagmire, we have already commenced the process of re-engineering our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) efforts which will soon begin to yield the desired results.  The administration has, however, been able to embark on projects which impact positively on the lives and general well-being of our people. We are beginning to register our presence in the consciousness of the people through our activities in virtually all sectors.

    Imbued with the unshaken belief that an environment with a developed infrastructure is that which is ready for progress, we have been able to intervene to bridge the very wide gap in infrastructural deficit.

    Our intention is to turn our dear state into a hub of socio-economic activities. We are determined to stimulate the economic space for the benefit of our people. The commencement of regular flights from Akure to Lagos, and continuation of Akure to Abuja has been a tremendous boost to the state. Businessmen and women, traders and all those who take investment seriously are trooping into our state with ease. Ondo State is indeed a veritable destination for investors. Air Peace Airline is making this possible. The transparent conduct of this administration and its insistence on discharging its mandate sincerely and courageously make good things happen.

    We promised to make life more abundant for our people. We will continue to strive to keep that vow within the available resources. We can turn things around positively. We only need men and women imbued with the necessary patriotic zeal and determination to do things differently. I enjoin us to make our appointments impactful on the generality of the people in the State. We must approach issues touching on their lives with seriousness.

     

    • …Excerpts of speech delivered by Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the swearing-in ceremony of commissioners and Special Advisers.

  • Mabel Osuntokun (1932- 2017) – A virtuous woman

    The former Mabel Osanyin who married Joseph Oduola Osuntokun was the first child of the man who became the first bishop of Ekiti when the present four dioceses in Ekiti State were just one. This wonderful lady is being laid to rest tomorrow, Friday June 23 in Ibadan. She grew up in Kano where for some time, her father had served as a missionary in the Anglican Communion.  She grew up in Kano when the grandfather of the present emir was Ciroman Kano Sanusi before he became Sarkin Kano. Because of her sojourn in Kano, she spoke some Hausa and as a girl growing up in the restrictive cultural environment of Kano, she was rather shy and for a while withdrawn. Her father came from Ijebu-Jesha a town not too far from Okemesi where her future husband came from.  In other words both Mabel and her future suitor belonged to the Ijesha sub ethnic group of the Yoruba The Osanyin brothers apparently liked the northern part of the country where about three of their family found a place for their material sustenance. Her mother was an attractive lady who because of her initials L. B Osanyin was popularly known as “London Beauty”.  She was not an Ijesha like her husband. She complimented and added value to the work and life of her husband and she helped him build a solid middle class home which was rare in Nigeria of their time. She had a complex web of provenance stretching from Ado -Ekiti, Awo, and Ijero.

    Mabel Osanyin therefore belonged to the privileged class of children of the clergy especially at a time when the Anglican Communion (CMS) was the established church in Nigeria. She trained as a teacher. It was as a teacher that the man who later became her husband and who was looking for  a virtuous unspoiled and God-fearing and husband compliant lady found her and proposed marriage to her . She was 20 years old and perhaps too young and inexperienced for her suitor, a world wise, widely travelled man, a graduate, the second graduate in the whole of what is now Ekiti State, and a budding politician who was a member of the western house of Assembly. Oduola Osuntokun was almost a decade older than the young lady he wanted to marry. He was an irresistible handsome man with huge prospects for the future. He was a great catch and Mabel fell in love with him.

    In spite of ups and downs of life she stood by him in good times and in bad times. Their marriage was a wonderful union blessed with seven great children who have excelled in their various professions. Mabel Osuntokun that later became “Mama Tinu “ as she would be known by all and sundry was so beloved by all members of the Osuntokun family that whenever there was any argument between husband and wife the family always sided with the wife.  In this case blood was not thicker than water !When our father died and the burden of headship of the family fell on her husband rather than grumble she rose up to the occasion and supported her husband  in providing for the larger Osuntokun family.

    The inevitable storms in the life of a politician did not overwhelm her and she always took her problems to God. She who was used to affluence as the wife of a minister adjusted quickly when her husband had to go back to the humble life of a secondary school principal and teacher. She always made the home environment pleasant and soothing to her husband who sometimes found the transition so uncomfortable and dispiriting that he sometimes felt like a well beaten boxer. The larger Osuntokun family provided a psychological refuge at the time of difficulty and despair. Mabel in those years demonstrated financial and business acumen to provide for her growing family and one after the other her children became adults and were able to fend for themselves. She continued to provide a rallying point for members of the Osuntokun family outside her own immediate family. She was known by the growing little Osuntokuns as “Big Mummy” not because of her size, she was actually petite, but on account of being the wife of chief Oduola Osuntokun the scion and head of the family. Other women who came later into the large Osuntokun family looked up to her as the trailblazer. She fulfilled the role and loved the younger wives in the family who reciprocated by deferring to her in family affairs. Her husband in his later years was grateful to her for her unflinching support and unstinted love.

    Mrs Mabel Osuntokun, the child of an Anglican Bishop became a fervent supporter of the Pentecostal mode of worship to the extent that she turned her home into a chapel while her new denomination was building its church. She did not see any contradiction in this and her argument was that she would worship in any church where the name of Jesus Christ was the centre of worship. All her life she was used to being in the middle of large families whether in the vicarage where her parents lived and were supported by children of relatives and church members who were sent there for grooming or in her own family. When her children grew up and left home, she would go to the backwoods of Oyo State to bring poor children to live with her, send them to school and colleges and when they leave others will be brought to replace them in an unbroken chain of Christian charity. Whatever she had, she shared with others. She seemed to have found joy and satisfaction in not living alone but in harbouring total strangers and in stretching her hands of fellowship to the less privileged people who cannot reciprocate her acts of generosity.

    She lived for 85 years in good health until recently when her health deteriorated. She had the support of her children and members of the wider Osuntokun family and the Osanyin siblings towards the end of her life. She must have had satisfaction in knowing she was much loved and cherished. Life is fleeting and what will endure is not how long we live but how well.  Memories are for ever she will continue to be remembered with fondness and for good. In any case she lived long

    We have lost a wonderful, loving and caring person. She took care of everybody who needed care, food, shelter and love. She remained a beautiful lady till the end wishing the best for everyone. What we have lost is a gain by heaven. I have no doubt that her place in heaven is secure. I personally have lost not just a sister-in-law, but the lady who was responsible for my grooming and a lady who brought me up from a simple lad to a gentleman. Rest in perfect peace.

  • A virtuous woman goes home

    A virtuous woman goes home

    The Book of Proverbs is especially important for the wealth of knowledge and universal principles of life that it contains. Many, if not all, of the proverbs present readers with core knowledge about life and what it takes to survive and succeed. With the majority of the proverbs written by the king whose only request from God was the wisdom to deal with the subjects he was tasked to govern, it is not a surprise that the proverbs are veritable sources of divine wisdom.

    As I thought about the most appropriate tribute to the Yeyeoba of Ife, Chief (Mrs.) H. I. D. Awolowo, the sage’s “jewel of inestimable value”, it occurred to me to turn to the good old source of eternal wisdom. One cannot do better than revisit the sagacious reasoning of the author of the Book of Proverbs.

    The writer of Proverbs 31: 10-31 starts the passage with an intriguing question that borders on skepticism: who can find a virtuous woman? There is a suggestion in the manner of the statement that it is going to be a difficult venture. He also provides a reason for the apparent doubt: her price is far above rubies. In other words, assume that one is able to find one; it would take a fortune to have her and keep her.

    The reasoning has a connotation of the economic law of supply and demand. The writer has an understanding of human nature that makes virtue a very rare commodity among men and women. Human nature is generally based and depraved. Recall that God, the omniscient being, once regretted the making of human beings; hence His decision to clean the slate with the deluge. Philosopher Hobbes, from a secular perspective, understood human nature as egoistic, acquisitive and covetous.

    Virtue is rare; but it is in great demand. Even the most depraved human being would like to have a virtuous associate, not for the best of intentions to be sure, but in a logical pursuit of his or her base motive to exploit the innocent. Many a woman or man has fallen into such hands.

    The law of supply and demand makes sure that the virtuous woman, in short supply, must be very expensive to have and keep. This is the meaning of the passage in question. But how is it so? What makes a virtuous woman? What are her character make-up, qualities and credentials?

    First, we are told that the heart of her husband does safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil. The testimony here is to the moral rectitude, excellent understanding and ability to serve as a confidant and companion for her husband. In essence, she is the best counsellor to her husband. This is where we can make sense of Chief Awolowo’s description of H.I.D. as “my jewel of inestimable value.” The metaphor is as telling as the ruby analogy in the Proverbs.

    This was the woman who chose to stay behind when her husband had to travel abroad to pursue higher education. She did so because she wanted to take care of her children. She took good care of the home front so that her husband had the peace of mind to pursue his goal. In the tumultuous days of political persecution, she was her husband’s lieutenant through thick and thin. Even a Mr. Lynn could not intimidate her!

    Of course, she was able to stand her ground because she had no skeleton to hide. She was the ideal of decorum. As she remarked in her memoir, “a wife of the Chief Executive must be level-headed and must understand the feelings of people around and outside her. She can be of good help to her husband if she opens her eyes and ears to what people are saying or doing, especially when her husband is not there. She has to be a good detective and be brilliantly-imaginative. She must be able to warn her husband of impending dangers.”  It wasn’t a surprise that her husband found her a dependable and indispensable ally.

    Second, the writer of Proverbs tells us that the virtuous woman works willingly with her hands; and like the merchant’s ship, she brings her food from afar. Mama Awolowo recalls how her husband insisted that she must not work after they were married. The sage wanted his wife to enjoy her life and just take care of their children, a most noble and selfless interest in the welfare of the family. But after her husband left for the United Kingdom, she launched her business career.

    The decision to engage herself in some business to support the family paid off tremendously as it also helped her husband. But more importantly, when he returned home and got into active politics, Mama demonstrated in action the kind of support a political spouse ought to give to her husband (or wife). Many have ruined the political ambition of their spouses by the kind of ostentatious life that they live while preying on the public wealth.

    Even after her husband had returned from England and suggested that she didn’t have to work because he would make good money as a lawyer, she had her business at Gbagi, Ibadan, selling textile materials. Her husband was the Minister of Local Government and Leader of the Regional Government. That was a great lesson in self-discipline. As the author of our passage remarks, “with the fruit of her hands”, the virtuous woman “plants a vineyard.”

    Thirdly, the virtuous woman stretches her hands to the poor and the needy. We are told that she rises early, a tribute to hard work and industry. But she also cares for others as she does for her children and husband. Beside the non-public philanthropic activities of the sage and his jewel, which must have been many in a society that is so blessed but so poor, they also initiated the idea of Dideolu Specialist Hospital, an idea which has finally come to fruition. It is a befitting tribute to the caring disposition of the virtuous woman.

    Fourthly, with peace at home, the husband of the virtuous woman shines in the city “when he sits among the elders of the land.” This is literally true of the peace that H.I.D. created for Awo in the house. He was able to shine not just in the city but in the country, on the continent and in the world. Among his peers, he was unrivalled. Sure, he had the intellectual endowment and the discipline, but as the elders suggest, if the household was chaotic, the city would just appear like a jungle.

    Fifthly, the virtuous woman is clothed with “strength and honour”, wisdom is “housed in her mouth”, and the law of kindness “resides in her tongue.”  Receiving many honours and awards, including the traditional titles of Mojibade of Ikenne, Iyalode of Remoland, and Yeyeoba of Ife, as well as the academic award of Doctor of Civil Laws, Honoris Causa (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) is evidence of the wisdom and strength of character that a virtuous woman is endowed with. It is no less significant that she combined all with uncommon humility and fear of God.

    Finally, her children call her blessed. The virtuous woman brings up her children in the fear of God; she guides them in the path of modesty and moderation; she provides for their needs and counsels them against ostentation. She teaches them the virtue of hard work and self-discipline. Therefore they grow up toeing the path of rectitude and they never depart from it because on that path, they succeed and excel. They know how they get there and the mother who led them there is recognised and acknowledged with grateful hearts. They call her blessed.

    In celebrating the life of Mama H. I. D. we must rededicate ourselves to the lessons that her life taught us: trustworthiness, dependability, industry, kindness, honour and integrity, and above all, the fear of the Almighty God to whom we will all return. As she returns home on the centenary of her coming, her good work follows her.

  • Farewell to a ‘virtuous woman’

    Farewell to a ‘virtuous woman’

    All roads led to the Cathedral of All Saints African Church, Ugwuavo, Arochukwu, Abia State for the funeral of Madam Gloria Ihuoma Ofo, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

    The sun shone brightly out of the azure sky, exerting mild discomfort on guests who had converged on the premises of the Cathedral of All Saints African Church, Ugwuavo, Arochukwu, Abia State.

    The crowd was so massive that it could be mistaken for a political gathering, were it not to be within a church premises.

    However, the huge crowd gathered to celebrate the life of the late Madam Gloria Ihuoma Ofo.

    Madam Ofo died on September 17.

    Though some wore mournful look, many were grateful to God to have met such a gem among humanity.

    The auditorium of Cathedral of All Saints could not contain guests as sympathisers stayed outside the auditorium; some wailing frenziedly.

    The Anglican Bishop of Isiala Ngwa, Rt. Rev Isaac Nwaobia who was the officiating minister, urged the gathering to emulate the exemplary life of the late Madam Ofo.

    The first lesson taken from Revelation 7 verses 9-17 was read by her sister-in-law, Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo while the deceased’s sister Dame Allwell- Ibeh read the funeral oration.

    In his sermon, the Bishop said: “As we mourn the demise of this woman who was the epitome of womanhood and filled with the milk of human kindness, we shall bear in mind that sooner or later, with or without warning, whether we think of it or not, we shall all die. Every moment that passes brings us one step closer to our end, to the last moment that will carry us away. This is because the consciousness of death gives meaning to our lives, more so when uncertainty surrounds the day and time it would be.”

    Continuing, he said: “For us believers, death is the entrance to eternal life which is to be anticipated with a contented heart and to be prepared for in a conscious state by making one’s peace with God.

    “Even, with God’s promise of resurrection for those who did His will, death seems to be necessary for the attainment of higher life or perfect happiness which cannot be realised here on earth. Since it is an end to suffering and the beginning of a new life, we should rejoice that the late Madam Ofo has left in this sinful world the slough of imperfect happiness.”

    The Bishop noted that Madam Ofo lived a transparent life, even as he described her as a book for all to read. He added that the late Madam Ofo lived a life of patriotism, saying it has become extremely difficult to see many Nigerians who would do what she did in order to develop the society.

    He revealed that Madam returned to the country after her studies abroad to nurture librarianship at the University of Nigeria Nsukka for 38 years.

    “Through a dint of hard work, she had many promotions and rose to the position of Principal Librarian and was transferred to Enugu Campus Library in 1992. She rose to Principal Librarian in charge of Enugu Campus Library; a position she held until she retired from the services of the university in 2004 after 38 years of meritorious service.”

    People were in tears as part of Madam Ofo’s achievements were mentioned. From the low and mighty, encomiums poured in torrents.

    Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu, the deceased’s only child and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Anambra State Governor on Primary Health Care described her mother as “caring, kind-hearted and honest.” Governor Willie Obiano, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mr Primus Odili, said: “Being the vehicle of passage to eternal glory, death is an inescapable part of life that awaits every mortal sooner or later. Madam Ofo’s death has left a very huge vacuum in terms of the kind of life she lived which was worthy of emulation. Madam Ofo showed unquantifiable commitment to service of God and humanity, as well as the values she has bequeathed to the family and those lives she positively affected.”

    Chief Chris  Ezenyimulu, son-in-law to the deceased said his mother-in-law was “pleasantly a mother, grandmother and a friend to us all; a woman with a heart of gold, a woman of substance, a woman of virtue, a believer of self, a hard worker, a teacher, a woman with an immeasurable sense of hospitality and a helper of the downtrodden.”

    On the qualities that distinguished the late librarian, Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo of Court of Appeal Makurdi Division noted that “Aunty Gloria was a light-hearted, humane and delightful lady in every ramification. There was just never a dull or boring moment when one encountered you. Everyone was somebody to you. You were a consummate lady with great compassion for the poor, needy and or less-privileged persons within your reach.”

    People later danced to the soul-lifting renditions of Christian songs by the Cathedral of All Saints Church Choir. Outside the church auditorium, the undertakers performed impressive acrobatic display while bearing the casket on their shoulders to the admiration of the guests.

    From the church, the people moved to her family compound at Atani in Arochukwu Aba State for interment.

    The officiating minister, Rev Nwaobia, performed the funeral rites.

    Thereafter, guests moved to Nkemka Jombo-Ofo’s country home at Nkemka Jombo-Ofo Avenue, Arochukwu for reception.

  • Exit of a ‘virtuous’ woman

    Exit of a ‘virtuous’ woman

    The funeral service for Madam Felicia Oluremi Abina, wife of the General Overseer of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Elijah Oludele Abina, has been held at the church’s headquarters at Km 40, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Aseese, Mowe-Ibafo, Ogun State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was the celebration of a life well spent. Notable Christian leaders and members of the Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) Worldwide, family members and friends turned out for the ceremony.

    They converged on the headquarters of GOFAMINT at Km 40, Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Aseese, Mowe-Ibafo in Ogun State last Saturday for the funeral of Madam Felicia Oluremi, wife of the General Overseer, Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina. She died in the United States (US) at 75. She is survived by her widower, six children and many grand children.

    Her body was not laid at the service because it arrived late from the US.

    The church hall and its gallery were filled. Guests also sat under a large tent outside the church. The church hall and the tent were decorated with blue, red and white fabrics. The ushers were dressed in either cream shirts and green trousers/skirts; or black skirts/trousers with white shirts.

    The service began with a processional hymn “Great is your faithfulness”, with the choir leading its singing. The ministers and family members entered amid the hymn.  All the ministers wore suit; the choir wore white shirt on navy blue skirt/trousers.

    The children wore gold lace with red head gear/cap; the grandchildren wore blue lace.

    The Bible reading from 1Thessaloninas 4:13-18 was taken by the first son, Folorunso.

    The second hymn: “Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven” was taken next.

    The National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Felix Omobude and Chairman of PFN’s Lagos chapter, Bishop Sola Ore prayed for the deceased and her family.

    Chairman of Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board Rev Adega Balogun took the second Bible reading from 1 Corinthians, 15: 35-58.

    The children sang in memory of their mother, followed by choir’s ministration.

    In a sermon, The General Overseer, All Christians Fellowship Headquarters, Abuja, Rev Williams Okoye, spoke on “Build your life on values that would last”.

    Rev Okoye urged the gathering to stop being carried away by worldly things.

    “You can die at anytime and you will face God to give account of how you lived on earth. When you think of death, it will help you to re-evaluate and re-examine your life,” he said.

    Evangelist Bola Aare, a popular gospel singer, rendered soul-lifting songs with the congregation singing along.

    The service ended with the recessional hymn: “O Lord of Heaven and earth and sea”.

    Outside the church hall, Layo Daniel Classical Entertainment life band entertained guests.

    Pastor Abina said the most memorable moment with his wife was when they had no child in the early days of their marriage.

    The widower said: “My late wife endured the time and it was wonderful.  Today, we have three boys and three girls. My wife also supported me when I had financial problem and in all things. When I felt sick, she came to the hospital to stay with me, as a matter of fact that was when her sickness started. “She was loving and caring; she is a woman that I cannot forget in my life.

    “When she fell sick, I felt her absence because nobody was like her to me. But one thing I believe is that she did not die; she sleeps and she lives on.”

    Mr Folorunso Abina, the Chief Executive Officer, Micro Alliance Limited in Abuja, said his mother was the closest example of Jesus to him.

    “She was a true servant of God, a genuine and authentic leader that I wish every leader and Christian lives like her. She left the legacy of love, sacrifice and prophecy which she has poured into every one of her children even her grandchildren. I will miss her love and godly counsel,” he said.

    The first daughter, Mrs Olabisi Ogundele, described her mother as loving, generous and accommodating.

    “I learnt many good things from her that helped me in my marital home. I will miss everything about her – her presence, cooking and encouragement,” she said.

    Her last son Mr Femi Abina, Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Development, described his mother as an awesome human being with unique qualities.

    A son-in-law, Pastor Sunday Ogundele of GOFAMINT in the United Kingdon, described her as a woman that brought to pass the fullness of God in the life of everyone who came around her.

    The reception continued in Pastor Abina’s house at 1/3, Elijah Abina Street, off Lake View Estate Phase Two, Amuwo Odofin in Lagos.

    Her body arrived at night and she was buried around 9am on Sunday.

    A thanksgiving service was held at Pastor Abina’s church, in Mushin, Lagos.