Ex-chief nursing officer in Delta, Egede, goes home in blaze of glory

Thousands of mourners, on April 10, 2026, thronged Boju Boju Owa community, Delta State, as the remains of former chief nursing officer in the state and matriarch of the family of late Christopher Ikechukwu Egede, Dame Mabel Bamidele Egede (nee Aleh), were laid to rest in a ceremony marked by glowing tributes.

Dame Mabel, aka Ezinne Ezioku, Mother of Truth, who died on October 19, 2025, was born on July 5, 1943, to the family of Pa Abel Mokwuye Aleh and Mama Grace Aleh (nee Ogboi).

She was  a respected community leader and widely recognized for her contributions to the health system and her role in the church.

The crowd surged as the programme progressed. Men and women of timber and calibre, as well as everyday people, came from all over the world to pay their last respects to a woman who made profound sacrifices and impacted society positively.

The attendees included former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Chiedu Ebie, chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a lawyer and seasoned technocrat; Chief Hilary Agholor (one of the royal chiefs of Agbor Kingdom), Chief Godwin Ogadi (Ugochukwutumeonye), Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem and Mr. and Mrs. Momah, who came from the United States.

As someone said, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

The theme of the tributes was that she was loved and would be missed.

Everyone had one good thing or another to say about her. If “to live in the hearts of those we love is never to die,” as Hazel Gaynor said, her memory is treasured.

During his sermon, the Rt. Rev’d Godfrey I. Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Diocese, spoke highly of Dame Mabel Egede. The kernel of his message was that everyone should shun sin and live a worthy life. According to him, the deceased  was a woman in whom many were well pleased and blessed.

In his tribute, her last child, Mr. Roland Egede, aka Rolly, described her as a “precious jewel.” He said that she “was and will forever remain the epitome of a virtuous woman.”

According to him, “She was caring, loving, hospitable, respectful, elegant and intelligent. She embodied everything one could hope for in a mother – an all-in-one remarkable woman.”

Roland added the heart-felt statement: “Remembering my growing up days, Mummy was tough and a disciplinarian to the core, yet she was so loving that even in the midst of the harshest corrections, you could still feel the warmth of her love. As the youngest of her children, I had the unique privilege of watching that firmness gradually give way to a more understanding and accommodating side of her as I grew into adulthood.

“At a fairly young age, I began to observe that, while she could be strict, she was also willing to listen and even seek advice on certain issues. Many times I found myself wondering how this same woman, whom many viewed as tough and unbendable, could become so soft and gentle while dealing with me.

“As I grew older and eventually left home, I had the privilege of spending even more time with her through her frequent and very regular visits. She had unfettered access to me, and for that I remain deeply grateful to God. Every visit was a new experience, every encounter was a memorable one and every memory, now a cherished asset.

“I also remember the many times I would attempt to surprise her with visits. Yet somehow, my mother always seemed to know someone was coming. No matter what time we arrived, she would have freshly cooked meals ready to welcome us – warm, delicious meals prepared with love. I still do not know how she managed to do it, but that was my mother.

“She taught me so much – almost everything that I have become today. Her kindness, her generosity and her hospitality shaped the person I am. She was always direct and honest whenever something did not meet her expectations. In correction, she was firm but always loving. And when it came to forgiveness, her forgiveness was always total, complete and final. My mother loved all of us, her children, unconditionally and without reservations. She loved everyone who came around her in the same way – Mummy was  an Angel.

“I grew up witnessing the power of her giving spirit. My mother gave unconditionally, sometimes even to the point that we, her children, would caution her. She was the type of person who would not rest or sleep, knowing someone, somewhere had not eaten. She would gladly spend her last dime just to make sure everyone around her was fine. My mother was a woman of faith, a woman of hope and a woman with a heart of gold.

“One of my most challenging moments in life was having the responsibility of informing her of the passing of my elder sister, Beatrice (may her soul rest in peace). It was something no one prepares you for. It was one of the most trying experiences I ever faced. Yet, through the help of God, I was able to share that painful news with her. Despite our fears and worries, my mother displayed extraordinary strength. She was heartbroken, deeply shaken, yet she refused to allow her faith in God to waver. Moments after receiving the news, she suddenly transformed from a position of chief mourner to become the chief comforter to everyone around her – such was the strength of my mother.

“Thank you, Mummy, for everything you did. Thank you for the lessons you taught us through your life. Thank you for being the incredible woman you were. Today, you are no longer with us, but the memories of your life and your journey on earth will forever remain in our hearts. I thank God for the privilege of standing beside you in your final moments and for the comfort of knowing that your soul rests in God’s bosom forever.”

Her first son, Mr. Chris Egede, appreciated her for her unwavering love and countless sacrifices for their family, saying: “Your love was the foundation of our home. We were truly blessed to have you as our mother. If there’s reincarnation, I will like to come through you again into this world. You taught us the meaning of kindness and showed us how to love selflessly. We will carry your love with us always.

“You are very unique in your ways,  you had the ability to make everyone feel special without discrimination. Your love will remain in our hearts forever.  You gave so much of yourself to make our lives better.  No one could light up a room with love and warmth like you, mom; you will always be in our hearts. Though you are no longer here with us physically, the love you gave will live on in our hearts and actions.”

The funeral was like a carnival. Different groups entertained th crowd with the zeal of competition. Even the pallbearers put on a show.

One elderly woman remarked: “This is what they call ‘benefitting burial’. May my children give me such honour when the time comes.”