By Carl Umegboro
No doubt, death of a beloved one irrespective
of the time is never wished or applauded. Unfortunately, it is inevitable, and
therefore a noble characteristic of human existence. This is essentially on
account that once there is birth, death is automatically pending; for any
arrival, departure is imminent; for any entry, there will be always an exit. Logically, death in sync to our famous phrase,
“anything that has a beginning must have an end” albeit painful particularly
when a loved one passes on, is a normalcy. What matters most is the life the
deceased lived and the lives touched positively while alive. These two
fundamentals determine if the deceased actually died or passed on.
Madam Matilda Chukwurogha Adinuba,
the beloved mother of C.Don Adinuba, an erudite writer and journalist among
other siblings passed on from mother earth but never died. The lives she quintessentially
touched on earth alongside her virtues as a devoted Christian woman will
continue to keep her sweet memoirs in our hearts. Certainly, she will no longer
be seen among the mortals; nevertheless, her love and the fruits of her labour
will continue to keep her in our memory. Apart from doggedly denying herself of
pleasures to ensure her children she solely raised as a widow get the best
within her capabilities, and ultimately conquered, her humility, kindness and
friendliness cannot be overemphasized. Her virtues were silently but lavishly
and contagiously inputted into the children, thus, the excellence in all
ramifications. By her attested legacies, the kindly-hearted deceased
octogenarian lives on.
No wonder, her burial on January 06,
2017 attracted the crème-de-la-crème in the country and socio-politically set Ihiala
town on fire. Some thought it was a coup on account of countless police escorts
and unprecedented movements of government officials both serving and former,
and notable captains of industries. From Dr. Alex Ekwueme (former Vice
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria); Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo (former
CBN governor); Mr. Peter Obi (former governor of Anambra State); Engr. Emeka
Okwuosa (chairman, Oilserv Limited); Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Prof. Barth
Nnaji (former Minister of Power); Dr. Chris Ngige ( Minister of Labour and
Employment); Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN; Mr. Casmir Maduafokwa (chairman, Tekon
Oil); Chief Allen Onyema (chairman, Peace Airlines); Senator Onyeabor Obi; Mrs.
Josephine Anini (former PDP National Woman-Leader); Mr. Mike Akubude (former chairman,
Awka-South LGA); Mr. Okey Ndibe; Dr. Obinna Uzor and Chief Donald Amagbo (a
leading African investor in oil sector), among others who were physically
present, and then Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (Minister of Power, Works and
Housing); Mr. Femi Adesina (Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on
Media and Publicity); DIG Val Ntomchukwu (Deputy Inspector General of Police),and
Dr. Ikedi Ohakim that were ably represented.
Death is indeed obstinate. Many had
expected that when a prominent figure like Dr. Alex Ekwueme was offering his
brief prayers at the graveside, the grave would open up, but it never did.
Death is therefore no respecter of persons. Nonetheless, our consolation is that
she ran her race diligently, courageously and excellently. If the gates of heaven
were to open upon human verdicts, incontrovertibly, Madam Matilda Adinuba is
cleared. If by Christian virtues which were obvious in her, she will certainly be
among the saints in heaven. I am optimistic the heaven rejoiced to receive her
kind soul on the basis that ‘Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of
his saints’. (Psalm 116:15). May her soul continue to rest in peace, Elekugomma.
Umegboro, a public affairs analyst
and publisher writes from Ihiala
Really amazing article ... very helpful ... Thanks for sharing this!! :) :)
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