Ogori community in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria will once again witness large turn-out of people across the country today the 21st December, 2022 as the children, family members, well-wishers and the entire community will converge at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ogori, Diocese of Ogori/Magongo (church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion) to give a befitting one year memorial service to late Mama Esther Iwalewa Anabisa Jegede who left this world on 21st December, 2021 to rest with her Creator.
Mama Esther was born into the family of late Pa Ahonwa Ajobiewe (father) and late Mama Elizabeth Osenare Ajobiewe (mother) in 1922 at the old Okesi but later moved to Udoba quarters in Ogori.
Late Mama Jegede did not have the luxury or the opportunity to go to school basically for one reason, young girls then had limited choice of deciding whether to go to school or not at their tender age of life because of some cultural belief that girls education would end in the kitchen. Mama was not deterred by this, she worked hard, she was seriously involved in farming, animal rearing and trading. She was a regular trader to places like Ibillo, Ojah, Makeke, Ososo, Ekpe and Okene to sell and buy goods.
She later in life got married to late Jonathan Jegede, the marriage was blessed with eight children, five of them are surviving till date namely – Emeritus Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, Ass. Prof. Dorcas Aina Ayeni, Prof. Olorunfemi C. Jegede, Dr. Felix O. Jegede and Brig-General Folorunsho O. Jegede. Mama supported all her children and even the foster children that lived with her to go to school in order to improve themselves. Her foresight, doggedness and sacrifice paid off decades after. Today, the children are all doing well in their chosen careers.
Mama Iwalewa died as a strong and dedicated Christian; she was a pillar in St. Peter Anglican Cathedral, Ogori where she was baptized on 13th December, 1963 and confirmed on 26th September, 1991. During her lifetime, Mama was a member of Alafia band of the Cathedral.
Before her demise, Mama was an epitome of humility, love, hard-work, philanthropy, commitment, kind, selfless and accepting God’s will without questioning and a resolve to serve her Maker till the end. Mama was a symbol of many things, a great and exceptional woman across several generations. Before her departure she had set a very high standard for the children, friends and neighbours for them to emulate.
As hundreds of family members, friends and well-wishers gather today to mark her one year departure; it is the prayer of all that God will grant her eternal rest and protect all those that she has left behind.
May her gentle soul continue to rest in prefect peace.
Written by: Felix Udebu
Publisher TheReflection newspaper
Lokoja Kogi State
08065335338