Mama Bosibiri Burial Programme by Johnson Opigo

TA B L E O F

CONTENTS

LATE MAMA BOSIBIRI OPIGO

Funeral Programme

Order of Service

Hymns

Foreword

Prologue

Biography

18 38

Tributes & Condolences Photospeak (Family Album)

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Funeral Programme 18TH FEB 2022 7:00- 9:00 PM

19TH FEB 2022 9:00 AM

19TH FEB 2022 11:30 AM

19TH FEB 2022 1:00 PM - 2.30 PM

19TH FEB 2022 2:30 PM - 3.30 PM

19TH FEB 2022 3:30 PM - 4.30 PM

19TH FEB 2022 4:30 PM - 5.30 PM

19TH FEB 2022 11:00 PM - DAWN

20TH FEB 2022 10:00 AM

Service of Songs Organised by Agori Memorial Baptist Church Angiama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

Body Leaves Military Hospital, PH Body Leaves Military Hospital, PH for Angiama Town Body Arrives Ayakoroama Compound Angiama Received by Compound Lying In State at her residence Funeral Service at Agori Memorial Baptist Church Angiama Body Leaves for Angiama-gbene to Agbadagiri Compound Interment Agbadagiri Compound Traditional Wake-Keep at Angiama Thanks Giving at Agori Memorial Baptist Church

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Order of Service OFFICIATIING MINISTERS 1.

Rev. Moses Mbaka 2. Rev. Lucky Omoda 3. Bro Perekerekere Angakumo 4. Bro Omonibo Flint

ORDER OF FUNERAL SERVICE Presiding – Bro Perekerekere Angakumo Organist - Bro Gideon Cooper Song Leader – Sister Ebimiere Biebimo 1. Opening Prayer – Rev. Lucky Omoda 2. Hymn of Praise – Praise Team 3. Scripture Reading – Bro Johnson Opigo 4. Special Oﬀering – Sister Priscillia S. 5. Special Prayer for the Family – Rev. Lucky Omoda 6. The Word – Rev. Moses Mbaka 7. Hymn of Response – It is Well 8. Closing Prayer & Benediction – Bro Omonibo Flint GRAVE SIDE 1. Rev. Moses Mbaka 2.

Rev. Lucky Omoda

Bro. Perekerekere Angakumo

Bro Omonibo Flint

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HYMN IT IS WELL 1.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain: It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buﬀet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!— My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.

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HYMN ROCK OF AGES 1.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which lowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labors of my hands can ful ill thy law's demands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever low, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain ly; wash me, Saviour, or I die.

While I draw this leeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.

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HYMN WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER 1.

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

Refrain: When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

On that bright and *cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, [*sabbath] And the glory of His resurrection share; When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

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HYMN ONLY REMEMBERED

Fading away like the stars of the morning, Losing their light in the glorious sun---Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done. Only remembered, only remembered, Only remembered by what we have done ; Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done.

Shall we be missed, though by others succeeded, [time have sown ? Reaping the ields we in springYes, but the sowers must pass from their labours, Ever remembered by what they have done.

Only the truth that in life we have spoken, Only the seed that on earth we have sown ; These shall pass onward when we are forgotten, Fruits of the harvest and what we have done.

Oh, when the Saviour shall make up His jewels, When the bright crowns of rejoicing are won, Then shall His weary and faithful disciples All be remembered by what they have done.

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FOREWORD AN ODE TO MAMA BOSIBIRI OPIGO BRIGHTEST PEARL OF THE RIVER NUN GLOWS INTO ETERNITY By Godknows Boladei Igali Mama, so pure, ever pristine, radiant, spotless, immaculate... Like the greatest natures treasures of the good old River Nun, You surpassed its crystals, corals, pearls, olivine, turquoise... Truly Heavens daughter Pearl, And, bestowing on you the greatest beatitudes of royalty, the Queen of Angiama town and Queen of Oporoma Clan, Its breeze gave you peace of mind to mould one of the truest characters in all of the humankind, Your word became gold, became bound Daily, your word quelled the knottiest angers of human mind, Whenever you went into its quiet deeps, You always returned rejuvenated... In beauty, in mind and in spirit You radiated lavishly and generously and brought smile and joy to all, You sang so joyfully about its nature’s adoring gifts on the Nun, Yet you wondered endlessly from where comes it gushing and glitter and where ends its journey, Oh, its father is the majestic River Niger, Who from ancient days meandered through hills and slopes, lands and forest; Sneaking and snaking searching for the digni ied Atlantic; Ma Bosibiri, As the River Nun brought its living waters down to your home to drink, to ish, to farm, to irrigate your farm, So it was from your cradling days as a child on its banks and now to your inal end, Even the angels recall, its same River Nun you and your beloved, Nicholas Abo sang about and played your love games of youth, You hoped it intersect with the Rivers of heaven, the Nile, the Euphrates and others, Today you sail ful illed, pleased and contented far deep from your beloved River Nun into the great lands of eternity; Unstoppable from your nuptial dreams with NA... And shared sisterhood with Evelyn.. Adorn your cherubed wing, For ageless times.

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Prologue OUR GREAT MATRIARCH As Genesis is somewhat the 'literature review' of God's creative powers, death also portends the realities of man's frailty only remembered by records and the footprints formed over a person's lifetime which inexorably serve as a lesson for good or ill for the rest of humanity. Some persons march through life anonymously, others make a mark stamping their imprimatur in our consciousness. Such was the life of our matriarch Mrs Bosibiri Frank-Opigo. The trajectory of Mama Bosibiri's history traverses the royal families of Dawai and Agbodagiri and beyond. She straddled all the royal houses and was appropriately recognized as one of the most loved and effective queens in Angiama's history. Mama Bosi as she was fondly called was the last of ive children begat by Ada and Gbapamo Akingi. Ada Akingi's progenitor was Agbadagiri through inheritance. Mama therefore was a wife married through “Big Dowry” which is a priceless inheritance. She was therefore in all respects very noble in status and upbringing. Our matriarch was a hardworking and reliable wife of my predecessor. She was very supportive of her husband and was unassuming as an intelligent mother to her children and stepchildren. She was blessed with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Despite her ordeal in terms of childbearing and the losses she suffered, Mama Bosi was resilient till the end. She was a woman of patience, grace and a will to accomplish her mission on earth. She was not deterred. She fought several obstacles and overcame. Praise the Lord! Throughout her life time, our matriarch was close to me and offered me invaluable advice on several aspects of life. I have always treasured those moments when we would sit to discuss issues relating to the development of Angiama. She was never short of ideas on how to make things better. She was a very capable mobilizer of the womenfolk. The town relied on people of her age and wisdom to lead the way so that the younger ones would learn and follow suit. We are all proud of Mama Bosi and what she achieved while alive. On a personal level, our matriarch was not only fond of me but brought happiness to my life. I was lavishly entertained with food and drinks whenever I visited her house in Port Harcourt and Angiama. She fondly called me “ Ini Abowei-me” meaning “My Abowei”. Literally con irming that she is a matriarch of Angia Royalties. Indeed, our matriarch, Mama Bosi brought happiness not only to my family but beyond as her positive contributions provided the basis of trust and goodwill for sustainable bridge building in the entire Oporoma Clan.

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According to the holy scripture, there is a season of everything under the sun, a time to be born and a time to die “Ecclesiastes 3:1-2. This exactly has come to bear in the life of this quintessential model, heroine and exceptional bridge builder. I appreciate Almighty God for the gift of this matriarch- Mama Bosibiri Frank-Opigo nee Akingi. For the fact: “Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me”.Sarah Flower Adams, 1805-48, English poet “All things bright and beautiful All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful The Lord God made them all” Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818-95, English poet Certainly, Angia kingdom has lost a royal icon who has returned to her roots and is in good company with her sisters and brothers in tandem with Angia's legendary royal tradition. We have also lost a matriarch of copious history. I join the rest of Angia Kingdom, its people, the council of chiefs, CDC and the youths to celebrate Mama Bosibiri's life of purpose and her upliftment to glory. Doo mo mu, Mama Bosi. Engr. Prof. Millionaire. F.N Abowei For Angia Kingdom Royalty

Biography Late Mama Bosibiri Opigo

LATE MAMA BOSIBIRI OPIGO

Biography OF ROYAL MOTHER BOSIBIRI OPIGO (nee AKINGI)

rs Bosibiri Opigo (nee Akingi) was born in 1924 to Ada and Gbapamo. Ada Akingi whose lineage is rooted in Agbadagiri gave birth to ive children namely, Bibi, Alfred (Fred), Bolou, Izonere and Bosibiri in that order. Bibi gave birth to several children all of whom died. Alfred married Agnes Dordor from Akassa and gave birth to Maria and Charity. But she also had a son, Dennis from her previous marriage to a white man called Smith. Dennis married Kudiratu Lawal, a Yoruba woman and gave birth to I iemi. Bolou married a man from Otuan called Mbolo and gave birth to Ekeukuruwei, Ayakpo and Isiniwari the father of Peremoketari. Ekeukuruwei gave birth to Tari and Opigo. Izonere gave birth to Newman, Anthony (It Is Mine) and Pama. Newman married Ebitimi of Peremabiri and gave birth to Preye, Mercy, Juliana, Fortune, Saviour and Timinepre. Anthony was unmarried when he died. Pama gave birth to Ayibaebi currently fostered by Stacy Opigo. Mama's surviving children, Imomotimi and Johnson gave her great-grandchildren and grandchildren respectively. Imomotimi gave birth to Akpoebi, Stacy and Austin. Akpoebi gave Mama her irst great-grandchildren, Joshua, Beulah and Zoe. Austin also gave Mama great-grandchildren, Chloe, David and Isaac while Johnson gave birth to grandchildren Waripamoere and Emmanuella. He also has a foster daughter called Olivia Tarila who gave birth to Pedro. Without doubt Mama had a fair share of the vicissitudes of life. It was never smooth sailing for her. She was, in the truest sense of the word, a woman of sorrows. She gave birth to nine children and as fate would have it, only two survived. Her irst son was called Julius, the second was Ayibakuro, the third was Abak, the fourth was Mieyi. Two children died in their infancy even before they had a chance to be named. Her last child was born in 1972 which was a still birth. It was said, as a matter of fact, that because she was having all these children dying in their infancy, the family stopped naming any of the children until they were sure the child would survive! No surprise therefore that her only surviving son had no of icial name until the 1963 population census when the enumerator asked for his name, and everyone was blank. Until that day he was only known by his moniker, biobio. He got the emergency name John there and then! He was later renamed Johnson in 1974, to cure an apparent unforced error of having him share the same irst name with a man accused of killing his siblings. Mama Bosi's childbirth tribulations evoked sympathy throughout the entire Angiama community for a very long time. Although it could not be con irmed, it was alleged that a notorious juju man caused most of the deaths through diabolical means but in the case of Julius her irst son, was alleged to have physically attacked him on the head with a charm. Through all these, Mama maintained a stoic stance and found solace in God through active participation in the Agori Memorial Baptist Church where she was a devoted member. She took in several other persons under her wings and nurtured them through life to the admiration of all. She naturally became mother to all the children born by her late elder brothers

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Bibi and Fred and those of her elder sisters, Bolou and Izonere who died of snake bite in 1961. Mama endured several painful deaths in her lifetime. The death of Izonere's children all of whom grew up under her to have their own families except Anthony who was not married were a series of blows too much to take for Mama. She was in déjà vu moments almost perpetually. Each incident took a lot away from her in terms of health and happiness. However, amid all the sorrows and heartbreaks, one person who delighted Mama to no end because of her industry and trustworthiness was I iemi Smith on whom she lavished all her motherly care. She brought her up as her own daughter. This biography will not be complete without mentioning the pivotal role I iemi played in the life of our mother. Mama loved her and gave her wide latitude to handle her aﬀairs even after death. I iemi is a very industrious woman who continues to look after Mama's farmlands and have given birth to several grandchildren and a great-grandchild for Mama. Naturally Mama doted on her two surviving children, Imomotimi and Johnson. Their welfare was not negotiable as she did all that was in her power to assist in raising them. Her shuttles from the village to the city of Port Harcourt to be with them for long periods of time attested to her care and un linching love for them. On such occasions, she would spoil them with motherly care, foodstuﬀs brought in large quantities from her farms. Mama also cared for her stepchildren. She ensured there was unity and cordiality among all her husband's wives and children. As a typical Izon woman, she did not discriminate between her children and those of her mates. She treated everyone equally to the best of her ability. She maintained cordial relations with all of them. In their individual and unique ways, they loved and cared for her too. However, from her own testimony, Helen and Grace were particularly consistent in their love and care. MARITAL LIFE In 1945 Mama Bosibiri married Late N.A Frank Opigo. He was a Customs of icer at Ebute Metta, Lagos where his irst child Imomotimi was conceived. When he later became Divisional Of icer at Abak in present day Akwa Ibom, Mama joined him there and they had a son named Abak. In all his working life and later as a Proprietor of one of the famous schools in the then Eastern Region, Niger Grammar School, Mama was constantly with him. When he was crowned the Amananaowei of Angiama, Mama was a very active and strong manager of the Dawai dynasty. She was very supportive of her husband who was also a successful businessman, politician, and philanthropist. He was a very busy person which meant he was always away on travels and engagements. She held the forte at such times to the admiration of all. She was not given to complaining, rather she took up the challenge and used her motherly skills to sustain the Angiama home front. She was virtually self-suf icient as a peasant farmer. She had several farms within and outside the village where she cultivated almost all that was needed as food for the family. The excess she bartered for ish, meat, or other condiments. Mama's family life was founded on the purest form of Ijaw culture in which family meant everything. As much as she was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, she was a loving mother, sister, and aunt.

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When her husband died in 2010, she was disconsolate. She mourned him for a very long time. Every mention of his name in her presence evoked strong emotions. She loved him so much. They were soulmates. They could banter for hours at a time interjecting their conversation with a lot of what Ijaw called kabu (Proverbs). He fondly called her Sibo which is almost a palindrome of the name Bosi. Mama was noted as a good storyteller. And she had lots of stories to tell. Apart from folk tales, she had a slew of real-life stories about culture, village life, people and places. In her very old age, she would often be heard reminiscing about great events that happened decades ago in Angiama or around the other places she had stayed like Otuan, Burutu, Abak, Lagos or wherever her husband's travels or work took him to. She was very fond of local ilms and relaxed with her children and grandchildren by singing and dancing to contemporary music. One of her favourite songs was “Send Down the Rain” by Majek Fashek. If you found her in an unhappy mood, there were two ways to get her to come alive and smile. One was to call her husband's irst name Abo or sing the chorus of Send Down the Rain. She would light up like a thousand stars on a dark moonless night. However, the send down the rain song was emotive and reminded her of something very special! Her attachment to that song was steeped in history bordering on a tale of survival even when all hope seemed to have been lost. In 1988, John her son fell gravely ill and was hospitalised for an unusually long period of time. With great faith John asked to be discharged even though he had not recovered. He believed he would recover faster at home. He was taken from the hospital unable to walk on his own. He recounted that having not seen daylight for a long time or breathed fresh air, everywhere looked new and fresh to him. He said he also noticed that a particular song was rending the air at every turn on the way home. Almost every record shop, living house, or beer parlour was blaring a song he had not heard before, “Send Down the Rain”. It had become an anthem of sorts. That same day, a relative Dr. George Orianzi working then for the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital Port Harcourt came and administered just one a tablet that made him sleep for hours on end. He woke up from his sick bed and walked unaided, hale and hearty as if nothing had happened. He saw his mother standing by the doorway of the kitchen her back turned to him. He gently called her and what happened next was very dramatic. Excitedly, she grabbed him tight, jumping and shouting, John my son! John my son! Woyein nua o! Woyein nual o! (God, I thank you o!, God, I thank you o!) and with tears of joy in her eyes, she instantaneously burst out into the chorus, “Papa, papa, papayo, yaya, yaya, yayayo, send down the rain” …on and on she sang. From that day, this refrain underlined every of her happy moment. CHRISTIAN LIFE AND HER CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD THE CHURCH Mama Bosibiri Opigo was a pioneer member of the Agori Memorial Baptist Church Angiama. She was a baptized member and was very active and punctual to church. She contributed immensely to the growth of the participating in every project undertaken by the church. She contributed resources and physically carried blocks and other building materials when the present church building was built.

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She was a foundation member and leader of the Women Group and a role model to younger women in the church for her steadfastness in the things of God. She was noted for sacri icing farming time for church activities. She did not consider any work given to her to do in the church as menial or beneath her status. She happily carried sand, joined others to keep the church environment clean. No wonder she was entrusted with several important positions. She belonged to several groups in the church and was the Treasurer of the Women Group, Treasurer of Women Harvest Committee, active member of the sanctuary care unit, Church Visitation Team, etc. She discharged her duties with utmost idelity and was not found wanting in inancial accountability. Although Mama was unlettered, she was nevertheless a member of the Women Group Choir and sang merrily from both the English and Ijaw versions of the Baptist Hymnary. She was said to have spent time learning how to sing in English. It was a thing of amazement for most people that she could stand con idently before the congregation to sing in English. She was an active member of the Women Missionary Union (WMU) of the Baptist Church. She was a deaconess-elect but could not be inaugurated because of her relocation to Port Harcourt due to ill health. She was a woman of great compassion and motherly care also. It was reported that when the wife of Pastor Igwe from Igbomotoru died during childbirth, it was Mama that took the child and nurtured it until the child was strong enough to be taken to Biseni. In the meantime, she was also responsible for providing material support to the Pastor who at the time had no one to take care of him. The things of God were a priority to her, and she exercised great faith in the power of the gospel. This was one of the traits the white missionaries who came visiting saw in her. They noticed the zeal in her and always commended her for her devotion. She was able to get most members of her family to join her in worshiping God in Baptist Church. Many are still members of the Church till date. As a foundation member of the Church, it was her lot to ensure that things went smoothly every service day. It bears mentioning that she became the rallying point because the Church's irst place of worship was next door at her husband's elder brother, Lawrence Oparan's house. She naturally became the hostess at every church meeting. Mama Bosi's drive for excellence was recognized as it was said that she motivated her Harvest group to come irst every year during harvest competitions. All the trophies and plaques she won on such occasions are still displayed in her house to this day. She was an accomplished woman in the work of God and the Church will miss her for her devotion, exemplary conduct and humility. THE GREAT FARMER Mama Bosibiri was a great farmer. It was a profession she inherited from her forbears and took very seriously. She was able to adequately feed her family and train many in school with proceeds from her farming. She never tired of farming. Her farmlands were far lung and required hours of canoe paddling to reach. Her farming activities were not without risks or life-threatening incidents. Sometime in the 1980s, Mama had paddled an extremely long distance to one of her farmlands. Even though she was exhausted from the paddling, she set about her work and was dutifully clearing the bush when an old tree that was rotten from the base snapped and fell on her. She

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passed out for hours. In those days and even to the present, some of these farmlands are so isolated that there is hardly any chance of having a living soul within a two-kilometre radius. Mama regained consciousness several hours later and managed to free herself from the log of wood and still paddled home – all by herself! Such was her courage and endurance. Her husband of course took her to the hospital afterwards for proper treatment. But the physical and traumatic effect of that tree falling on her remained with her till her death. But she was not deterred. She continued farming well into her old age. To stop her from continuing her farming work at old age, her husband relocated her to Port Harcourt. Her protestations and desire to go occasionally to “look” at her farms fell on deaf ears. Mama later accepted the fact that she was too old to farm. However, because old habits die hard, Mama could be seen in her son's compound in Port Harcourt weeding the grasses around the place seated on a low stool! SOCIAL LIFE Mama was renowned not only for her principled stance on community and family matters but for her hard work and resilience in the face of challenges. She was the toast of the then Olotubiri Compound where she held sway as the Amananowei's wife. Long before her husband became king, she was a woman leader with virtuous qualities as a bridge builder, a counsellor, a mobilizer for good causes, and a respected farmer. She was very active and participated wholeheartedly in community affairs. She was noted for standing irm behind her family like a rock. Her house was open to all classes of persons, related or unrelated, to live for as long as they wanted. She was very accommodating but did not tolerate laziness, truancy or dishonest conduct. Even though she lacked formal education, she encouraged her children and those under her roof to go to school. Having been married off at an early age and started bearing children, she vehemently opposed the practice and therefore sponsored many girls to school to avoid early marriage that may disrupt their education. Mama was particularly against truancy and went to great lengths to discourage the practice among her relations. No wonder many of her wards inished school as and when due and some of them were to become teachers or civil servants. She was of course very supportive of her surviving children both of whom she encouraged to continue their education up to the tertiary level. She was very sociable. She was good in organizing the womenfolk in her role as Royal Mother and a scion of both the Dawai and Adagbabiri families. Throughout the reign of her husband as Amananaowei, Mama was steadfastly by his side and carried out her royal duties with grace. She was not one given to frivolities or allowing her royal status to lord it over others. She was down to earth, went to the farm like everyone else, washed by the riverbank and mixed well with everybody in the community. She was well respected and was a rallying point for women in the community. Mama was very proud of her hometown Angiama and while in Port Harcourt bemoaned her physical frailties that made it impossible to visit home as often as she wanted. Mama Bosi was a truly virtuous woman who maintained peace with all and sundry until her inal days on earth. May her good soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

ibutes & Condolences to

Late Mama Bosibiri Opigo

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ibutes TO MY DEAREST MOTHER What an amazing and sweet mother I have lost! The vacuum you left is so hard to ill. You were a loving mother who took very good care of me and my children especially during childbirth. Your kindness was second to none, you were always quick to meet the needs of all who approached you for help. You fought hard to train your children and grandchildren to be respectful, hardworking, and always take the right path in life. Your wise counsel cannot be forgotten, you always had a way through every tough situation. I will never forget all the quality and fun moments we shared together. Goodbye my dear mother. You were the best, always the best. Adieu Mama. Dö ö mo mu. Mrs Imomotimi Opori (Nee Opigo) First Child, Yenagoa

TRIBUTE TO MY INCOMPARABLE MOTHER By Johnson Opigo "When you look into your mother's eyes, you know that is the purest love you can ind on this Earth." The special bond I had with my beautiful mother had its foundation on the day I was born. Being the eighth child she was holding in her hands, she prayed fervently to God saying, “God, let this one live, Ebidei!” God answered her prayers, I lived. Ebidei in Ijaw means “It is enough.” Enough, because six other children before me had died under one sad circumstance or another. Enough because she had endured a cumulative of 54 months of pregnancies with nothing to show for it except heart ache, pain, sorrow and suﬀering. Enough because she was tired. Tired of all these losses. And who could blame her therefore for naming this child Ebidei? So I survived. I survived because I was wisely, and quickly removed from the environment that consumed all my older siblings. I was shipped away to Port Harcourt into the loving arms of another mother, my stepmother Evelyn Amiete Opigo of blessed memory. May God continually bless her soul as she rests in the bosom of our Lord. I grew up under the loving care of my stepmum until I reunited with my incomparable mother, Bosibiri. Mama was coming and going in my infancy until I was old enough to distinguish between my two loving mothers. I remember vividly the day she came visiting me in school on a non-visiting day so we had to do with through-the-fence meeting. I was in my teens. That day, was perhaps the day I became acutely aware of the “look into your mother's eyes.'' It was something unique and almost divine. With her appealing smile and eyes gleaming with pride and gratitude to God that knew no bounds, she extended her ingers through the barbed wire fence and touched me. She looked straight into my eyes and intoned, “John my only child, how are you?” The “only child” part baf led me as a young boy because I knew I had an elder sister

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ibutes born by her too. I was to know the full import and deep meaning of “kpe, kpe tubo” (only child) later in life. It was a phrase used by almost everybody including my elder sister. Illumination was to come as I grew older and understood that it had nothing to do with even my elder sister. History! My mum became my best friend. She was my ultimate warrior, protector and provider. She more than made up for the time she was understandably absent in my formative years. The wisdom to send me away so that I could survive the Tsunami of deaths happening at that time was top class and quali ies to be celebrated as “wisdom from above.” As much as I craved to be with her all the time, wisdom demanded I stayed away from the village where she lived as long as I could. Mama's love for me knew no bounds. She had opportunity to show me untainted love each time I visited home with my dad, fondly called Papa by every one of us his children. Every such occasion was a festival of local delicacies served in very large portions, a surfeit of motherly advice, and of course the ubiquitous sugarcane which I chewed endlessly thanks to her unlimited supply. Mama's doting was extreme sometimes. I remember several times Mama would not let my feet touch the mud. While walking along muddy paths with pools of water everywhere, requiring a hop-step-and-jump eﬀort, Mama would insist on backing me across those areas. The spectacle of seeing a 14-year-old boy being backed by his mother would have been amusing! Mama spoiled me to no end because of the circumstances of my birth and survival. I could do no wrong. I was hardly rebuked no matter the bad I did. She was always forgiving and looked the other way when I should have been spanked. She never raised her voice at me. She gave me the type of pass that every child my age would wish their parents gave them without asking. However, no matter the petting I received, she was very strict with one thing. On a certain day she drew my ears from the east side of my head to west, and from the west to the east to drum into my head just one thing. She sang it (literally) like a song. Even though she spoke in low tones in a manner that even the walls could not hear, her demeanour was serious as she instructed me never, ever, to step into the street of the juju man alleged to have killed all her children. This sent chills down my spine. I was horri ied. So, there was a clear and present danger here? She nodded in the af irmative and told me how she ended up with just two children out of several. She thereafter called for my best friend in the village then, the late Crowther to give him orders to accompany me like a shadow wherever I went in the village. His remit was to stir my movements away from the vicinity of the evil man's street not to talk of sighting his house! I was never to set eyes on the man, greet him, shake hands or accept food or drink from him even if he grovels on the loor! Those who know Mama can attest to her lowery use of Ijaw language when she is agitated. Such was the force of her love and her determination to preserve the life of her only son who had lived up to his teens.

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ibutes Mama was kind-hearted and conscientious. She was liberal with her resources and time. As a believer in communal living, she thrived in the community and was well-respected for her generosity, charity and peaceful attitude to life. But she was also tenacious, fearless and a woman of deep convictions. She never cowered before the high and mighty. She was at once forceful and yet persuasive. She employed her abundant con lict resolution skills to good eﬀect whenever confronted with issues requiring a delicate balance between prudence and fullthroated assertiveness. I watched her in close quarters several times settling disputes between families, within families and persons. You would often see her in the middle of a group of women resolving one communal issue or another. She was one of the iercest defenders of her husband in the community. Whenever problems arose in the absence of her husband, she would stand irm and lobby the Chiefs to keep the issues at bay until he returned to the village. My mother's love would make her climb mountains and run down valleys for my sake. She was never lacking in the strength or willpower to give her all on my behalf. I remember when I lost my banking job how Mama ran from pillar to post to assist me cope with the stress of having a newborn child and not having a job to support mother and child. She was very worried and would spend several hours encouraging me to look for another job. On one such occasion, she was miﬀed when I announced that I was done with paid employment. So, she wanted know my next plan of action. I told her I wanted to start my own business. She almost broke down in tears. She asked how I was going to raise the capital needed? I told her I will ind a way. What she did next completely blew me away! Mama left her seat, went into the recesses of her box and came out with several wrapped bundles. She took one of them, removed the irst layer which revealed a white nylon wrapping. Inside it was another cloth wrapping. Inside that wrapping was a paper wrapping. Then she brought out an envelope from that paper wrapping and spread the contents on her bed in rows. They were naira notes neatly arranged in their denominations of N1,000 each. She then took another bundle and the same process was repeated. Altogether, she brought out more than 10 other wrappings. I was aghast. What was going on? While I was ruminating on the spectacle unfolding before my eyes, Mama suddenly gathered all of them carefully and asked that I count them. It was well over N250,000! She said, take all of it and start your business. This was in 1995 and happened in the presence of my elder sister Imomotimi who from her knowing looks appear to be in on what was happening. I promptly rejected it. I knew she was saving to convert her mud house to a brick house and my conscience would not forgive me to scuttle that plan. But momentarily I asked her if some of the mint naira notes in the bundles were part of her upkeep money I use to give her while working in the bank and she answered in the af irmative. I was amazed that she saved some! I knew Mama was a good thriftier. She had demonstrated her ability to save for the rainy day long before I was born. She also had a solid reputation as one you could trust your money with and go to sleep. She was among the few trusted persons villagers kept money with. I witnessed not a few persons either coming to save money with her or withdraw them. At some point I even encouraged her to open a savings account and lodge the monies there.

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ibutes Mama's spirituality was legendary. She was a proud Baptist and never failed to remind those who cared to know that she would never do anything outside the precepts of her faith. She was a pioneer member of the Agori Memorial Baptist Church Angiama and was also a member of the women choir group. She was a very devoted member of the church and won many Harvest trophies in her lifetime. She related well with members of the church and contributed immensely to the growth of the church at Angiama. She not only contributed money and resources like everyone else, she was physically involved in the construction of the present church building by carrying sand and fetching water for the workers. Her position as the Royal Mother was of no consequence to her when doing the work of the church. These were some of the things she was known for that made her the toast of ministers and white missionaries who visited the church from time to time. Mama lived a life worthy of emulation. She was a workaholic, always on the move, very industrious. She never liked to work with lazy people. She always preached trust and made me understand that your word must be your bond. She encouraged me to be scrupulously honest. These were the values she impacted in me from childhood. When paddling several kilometres to her farmlands, she had the opportunity to tell me things I remember till this day. She was the one who taught me that Izon meant truth and that we should do all that is in our power to be truthful and to embody truth itself. Mama was never short of proverbs to buttress her points as if agreeing with Chinua Achebe that proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten. She was truly an amazon, strong-willed and assertive. She made me who I am today and I thank her for it. She taught me how to forgive, how to endure, how to love the unlovable, live with the unliveable and cope with the insuﬀerable. May God continue to keep her in celestial bliss in His bosom. Adieu, Mama I love you more than words can express. Your beloved kpe, kpe tubo, John. Words would never be enough to express the way I feel about your departure. I remember the times I visited you at Ohiamini and the struggles you were going through, with your health, yet you kept that smile that never left your face. You would always call me 'Elini'. If I could write a story about you, it would be the greatest ever told of a kind, loving and caring mother who loved her children dearly. You were an adorable and awesome mother. You were sel less, a great woman, a good woman with a good heart. I have no doubt in my mind you are with the saints above. I celebrate your life as you depart to be with the creator. Farewell Mama Bosibiri I'll never forget your smile. Dr. Helen Opigo, Yenagoa

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ibutes FROM GRACIE TO MAMA BOSIBIRI Yes, that was the name you called me. Always Gracie and never Grace and I loved it. Tributes are dif icult to write because there are so many but let me start from the last few years. There are not enough words to describe the few meetings I had with you during my short visits from the United States. In one of my last visits, you saw me and recognized me instantly. Not only that, you also quickly went into the bedroom and brought the vitamins I had given you the year prior to let me know that you are consuming them diligently. You went further to show me how you had separated them into two containers. The reasons are yet to be understood by me LOL! Then I told you that I had brought more. Now, let me go further back in my teens when I visited Angiama for the very irst time. I will not forget how you protected me. You were angered by a certain relative who had an attitude towards me for no reason. You successfully forced this relative to stop by and say hello to me because I felt uncomfortable. This is what mothers do. I would like to end with this quote by Jack Thorne who stated that “Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” Sleep tight until we meet again. Dr. Grace B. Opigo, USA

TRIBUTE TO MY UNFORGETTABLE AUNTY. (MAMA BOSIBIRI) Mama de Mama, sweet memories ill me whenever I think of the love showered on me and my siblings from our childhood to your exit. Your motherly advice and care remain indelible in our hearts. You were Papa's priceless jewel never to be toyed with and in the same vein you held us and our children as well. I remember the special Opuru fulo prepared on irewood with the unique aroma. The mama-coco and tender plantain from your farms can never be forgotten. You used to address your brother Alfred, as “Yedi” and introduces me to other relations as I am pained that you left in my absence. We will truly miss you but take solace in the fact that you are in a better place with your Creator. Farewell to our great nonagerian matriach. My unforgettable aunty fondly addressed as Mama de Mama each time we try to make her happy. Do mo mu mama Your loving daughter Maria Owi and family, USA, 22

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ibutes TRIBUTE TO MYMOTHER Mama you were such a sel less woman, and it takes a sel less, compassionate and loving woman to love children other than her own, that was why I called you my mother. Number 46 Igboukwu Street, D/Line Port- Harcourt was illed with laughter, humour and happiness because of you. Without you, there was no 46 Igboukwu Street. You were tolerant, patient and understanding with the crowd of children that was in that house so much so that some of us even shared your bedroom with you. But you were not bordered rather you would tell us stories that made us laugh throughout the night. You were a rare gem Mama. Akpoebi Eneyi, USA

TRIBUTE TO AN UNFORGETTABLE GRAND MOTHER Words alone cannot express the hurt I feel in my heart when I heard of your passing by 2.00am while in Nangi-ama on 15th of August. Mama you were not just my grandmother, but my mother because I can remember when my mum used to drop my elder sister Akpoebi-ere and I with you. You will cook, sing a special song and dance for both of us. You convinced Papa of blessed memory to always take us to the village, so we can be able to speak our native Ijaw dialect. You were an accommodating mother ready to assist everyone who came in contact with you. Mama you were a strong and a good mother and grandmother to us all. No one could have done better and you're forever irreplaceable in my life. You will be terribly missed, rest in peace my irreplaceable mother. Sibo!!! Your granddaughter, Stacy Opigo

Mama, I can't believe you're gone. I remember how you always smile at me, hold me tight and make me laugh. Your memory will forever be in my heart and words cannot express how much you mean to me. Thank you, Mama, for being here long enough for me to experience your love. Rest on Mama, you are greatly missed. Emmanuella Opigo, Abuja

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ibutes The very irst day you carried me on your laps and fed me was the demonstration of the purest love of a grandmother. You showed me the unconditional love I was deprived of when my mother died in my infancy. Mama, I love you so much. Watching you grow old and going through all those pains and I couldn't do anything to reduce them were my worst moments. The best moments were the times we would sit together and sing songs, or you would tell me stories of the past or make me laugh with some of your interesting jokes. Those were beautiful moments I shared with you Mama. It hurt me so much when I watched you lose your voice and you could no longer talk or respond to the songs I sang for you or the stories I told you. In as much as you couldn't respond, you still gave me that beautiful smile you always put on your face to let me know that even though you couldn't speak, you heard me. Mama you are one of the strongest women I know because you fought very hard for your life. Words cannot express my emotions or my feelings as you slowly lost the breath of life in my arms; when you tried to talk to me but no word came out except tears. Loosing you was expected but when it came, I wasn't ready. I love you so much Mama and you will always be in my memory. If I should go on to talk about you, I would end up writing a book. I couldn't ask for a better grandmother. Your love, kindness, patience and care, I enjoyed it all. May your beautiful soul rest in peace. I love you mama and I always will love you from the bottom of my heart. Miss Peremoketari Isini, Port Harcourt

Death is Man's enemy. We never want to lose our loved ones no matter how old they are, because He has put eternity in our hearts! You will be missed Mama but our assurance of a resurrection strengthens us all. Jehovah will call may you answer. Rest till he calls. Loyal Jeﬀerson-Imhande, Lagos

It is never easy losing a loved one no matter the circumstances be it sickness or old age. Mama, your memory will live on our hearts always. May the good Lord keep your soul safe and at peaceful rest forever. Amen Babbie Opigo Port Harcourt

Mama you may have passed on, but your memories will always live with us. Thank you for all the love you showered on me. Adieu my beloved grandma. Olivia Tarila, Port Harcourt

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ibutes MAMA BOSIBIRI (An elegiac acrostic) Many attest to the old Aphorism that Mother is supreme – And Mama proved the rule. Blessed with a patient spirit Our mother taught us the essence of Sibling cohesion instead of rivalry, that Inner strength was eminently Better than our vainest whims. In unison we wish your gentle spirit Rest and real content In the bosom of the Lord. Emmanuel Ayibaemi Frank-Opigo, Yenagoa

First, Mama thank you for giving us, John who is a man of the people. You walked through life giving of yourself to others. You always had a kind word and a helping hand. You were the simplest and most tolerant of women. Your capacity for love and giving was in inite. We are proud of you because you were an accomplished farmer and giver. You were a faithful companion to papa, Chief Frank Opigo and a lovable mother to us all. I shall forever carry you in my heart and i am grateful that you touched my life. Good night. Zuliet. Tribute to My Aunt It hurts me to know that you are no more in this world, and even worse is that you left without saying goodbye. I miss you so much, rest in the bosom of the Lord. I love you. Charity Opigo, Yenagoa

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ibutes Mama, you may have passed on but your memories would always live on with us. Thank you for the love, care, and sacri ices you made to ensure we aligned properly in the path God destined for us. I miss the special lullaby you sing to me growing up and even as an adult. I learned a lot from your values, strength, and perseverance. I have not forgotten your kitchen tips; I never go wrong with them. I am forever grateful that you are my grandmum. I know you are in a much better place. Rest in the bosom of the Lord, Mama! Love you always!!! I am honoured to thank you Mama for the beautiful life you lived. I will continue to carry special memories of you in my heart today and always. Adieu mama. Guazigha Adoga, Yenagoa

Mama, to know you is to Love you and to be your granddaughter was a privilege. Sad that you are gone. It is dif icult to imagine much less say it out aloud. I had a good childhood with you, and it was also an honour to take care of you the little way I could as an adult. I will never forget your smile and your laughter that spread good cheer around the room. Thank you, Mama, for the LOVE you gave, you will always be in my heart. Love you. Waripamo-Ere Opigo, Minna

TO THE STRONGEST WOMAN I EVER MET I am so honoured to have known you, your knowledge of God was practical, praying every night. You never allowed me to be at home on Sundays. If I stubbornly stayed behind, you reported me to anyone who cared to listen. I never saw you shy away from challenges. You taught me to be con ident in myself. Your funny idioms and exclamations made being with you always fun. I miss you so much mama, but I am celebrating a life well lived. Rest in the bosom of our Lord. Adieu. Your great-grandson, Ayibaebi

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ibutes A TRIBUTE TO MY IN-LAW THE QUEEN OF OPIGO'S PALACE Death is evil and a respecter of none. I lost my own mum early and when I was about to enjoy the opportunity of knowing you mama Bosbibiri Opigo, you left. It's very painful that I never had an opportunity to meet you in person, but I take solace in the fact that anytime my sister Mrs Njideka Johnson Opigo visited you, she would have me on video to chat with you which was not enough for me mama. The last video call was particularly painful such that my heart bled. You were such an amazing and a strong woman. Sincerely you fought hard to survive but because death comes when it will come, it pleased the lord to call you home to rest. Mama, continue to rest in peace. I love you mum, so do your in-laws from late Chief Lawrence Ijezie family in Ozubulu, Anambra State. We will all miss you so much. Rest on mama for your legacy here on earth will continue forever. I can feel it that the banner over you is love. Good night, Mama till we meet to part no more. - Mrs chizoba Jonathan the Adadioranma of Ijezie family Ozubulu.

Clinton Maxson from Port Harcourt wrote on February 1, 2022 at 8:49 am TRIBUTE TO AN AMAZING WOMAN AND MOTHER! Losing a loved one such as a parent, close relative or friend no matter the age of the person involved is always painful and life enduring for some. Sadly, this is how your children, loves ones and the entire Angiama Community that you have left behind will and are going through in one way or the other. Your loyalty, sacri ice and legacy to your children and immediate family during your life time is unparalleled and will be celebrated and continued by your children. While we are going to miss you on this side of eternity, we hope that you're now having eternal rest and peace with your maker. Adieu!

Francis Ogaree from Lagos wrote on February 1, 2022 at 8:57 am I am here to celebrate Mama and not to mourn her. Mama's enviable legacy in her lifetime is worthy of emulation by family, friends and well-wishers. My prayer for the family is for GOD to grant the family the Fortitude to bear their irreplaceable loss; and to always be assured that MAMA will always continue to live in their hearts. Adios MAMA

TRIBUTE FROM SIMON Mama, your life was a celebration of God's faithfulness. You were a special mother, full of wisdom and strength, thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms and in love, your memories will always live on within us. Rest in the bosom of the Lord. 30

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ibutes Prof Francis, Bondan & Miebi from Port Harcourt & Indonesia wrote on February 1, 2022 at 7:30 pm TRIBUTE TO OUR AUNTY, MAMA BOSIBIRI OPIGO It is hard to believe that you have left us at a time we needed you the most. It is even harder to come to terms with the fact that we will never hear from you again and to share the pleasant moments we enjoyed in your company. For me personally, having lost my mother at a very tender age, I grew up to see you, and related with you as my surrogate mother. My siblings and I always looked forward to any opportunity to visit you especially during holidays because of the way you made us feel at home. We could see you wake-up early in the morning to ensure that we had breakfast, and the delicious meals we enjoyed during those visits. I also remember vividly, the innumerable times we sneaked from home just to see you and the wonderful moments we spent with you. In my adult life, my family and I continued to admire you for your wisdom in solving problems. We cherished the advice you always had pleasure in giving. You were truly a role model and you left footprints in the sands of time. Mama Bosi as you were frequently called by friends and family, it is hard to believe that you are gone now. We take consolation in the fact that you lived a good life and left a legacy that would be read through many generations to come. Our love for you will remain forever Mama. Adieu Mama! Francis, Bondan & Miebi

JACK AYEBAYE JACQUALINE from BAYELSA STATE wrote on February 1, 2022 at 4:39 pm TRIBUTE TO OUR DARLING MOTHER Dearly beloved and caring mother, During your trying period, we were all full of hopes for your survival, even at the moments not believing that death will actually take you away from us. True love is one of the hardest things to ind in this part of the world but Mama had earlier taught us to love one another and mankind in general and you have expressed all the true qualities of a loving Mother to us and to us and to the rest of mankind. We feel a big vacuum in our hearts that cannot be easily replaced but we take solace in God. You will always be in our minds and am wishing you a peaceful journey. Rest on my daring Mum JACK AYEBAYE JACQUALINE (ABAYE)

Dinah from Scotland wrote on February 1, 2022 at 3:31 pm Dear Johnson! We grieve with you at this time of your loss more so as we may not be able to be present there with you in person. I remember how fondly you would talk about your mother whenever you are in Scotland. Our prayer today is that you ind comfort in the Lord

TRIBUTE FROM GREAT GRAND CHILDREN- Joshua, Beulah$ Zoe Mama, we celebrate God's faithfulness in ful illing the number of your days. We thank you for your love that was evident in many ways and the memories we have of you would live on, Rest in the Lord's abiding love. 31

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ibutes Barr Bako Ventim from FCT wrote on February 1, 2022 at 1:05 pm Dear Mama, We received with great pains the news of your sudden eclipse on this part of the orbit. The vacuum created by this huge loss will be too huge for anyone else to ill. Even though we mourn your painful exit but with the Christian understanding of your glorious rest, we celebrate your virtues and indelible legacies as a loving mother. As friends and business associates that relate with your children, we are proud of the discipline and good values impacted in them Sincerely, we shall miss you but we know you have found a better place to rest and celebrate with the Angels in the comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ. Adieu Mama and may God comfort the family and people of Angiama Community.

Benedict Jimmy from Motherwell, Scotland, UK. wrote on February 1, 2022 at 11:36 am Condolence message I am writing to express my heartfelt condolences over the passing away of your dear mother. I know that losing a dear mother such as yours could be very painful. But you have to take consolation in the fact that death is inevitable in man. And that someday you will meet her again where you will live for ever with the Lord. Please accept my sympathy. Myself and my entire family are praying that the Lord Jesus Christ will grant you the fortitude to bear such an irreparable loss. And may the Almighty God ill the vacuum that is created in your family as a result of the exit of your dear mother. Once again, please know that our heart is with you in this very trying moment of your life. Please accept our sympathy and may the Lord be with you in Jesus' name, Amen. Adieu Mama.

Gideon Efere from London wrote on February 1, 2022 at 10:37 am An amazing mother!* Mama, your death left a huge vacuum but we'll continue to celebrate your existence. Whilst with us, you didn't give up on your age as dif icult it might have been, but still you often remembered me as the 'Ayibanua's' son whom you closely recalled each time I visited. You were indeed an amazing mother. May your gentle soul rest in the lord's bosom. Adieu Mama!

Blessing Aririatu from Port Harcourt wrote on February 1, 2022 at 10:11 am I wish to commiserate with Mr Johnson Opigo and the entire Opigo family on the passing of your dear mother, Mrs Bosibiri Opigo. It is a painful experience to lose someone so dear no matter the age. Please, be consoled by the good life she lived while on earth and the good legacies she left behind. May God rest her soul in His bosom.

As Mama is being laid to rest, there is no doubt that a great void has been created but we believe in victory after death , and that mama is now resting in the bosom of her creator. While on earth, mama lived an enviable life and was a true epitome of motherhood. For those she has left behind, remain consoled that she lived a good life to God's glory. Rest in Peace Mama!...Elder ASU BEKS 32

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ibutes Esther Apreala from Fct Abuja wrote on February 1, 2022 at 10:02 am Sending you prayers and thoughts of Love and support upon the passing on of Mama . Mama was really a good Woman, Kind caring and ever Smiling. I remember when i come around the house she is the irst person i will meet and she will smile and call my sister (Imomotimi) for me . She will surely be missed by all and her family, most especially my sincere condolences to you and your family . You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Pastor Toni Duke from Abuja wrote on February 1, 2022 at 9:46 am MAMA, a wonderful mother to my childhood friend Johnson Opigo. I have never met you in person, but I have seen your advertisement through your son. It tells me how caring and lovable you were to the building of your home. MAMA, I am not mourning you but rejoicing in the Lord that you lived your life accordingly in the Lord. Farewell to you our dearest beloved MAMA, may you rest peacefully in the presence of the Lord. Amen.

Henry Akinnayajo from Port Harcourt wrote on February 1, 2022 at 9:35 am Mother you were the truest, dearest, more than a mother to your children. You were precious, a gift from God. So much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched your children heart in so many ways, your strength and smile even on dark days made them realise they have an angel beside them. Your memories live on, rest on Mama

Clinton Maxson from Port Harcourt wrote on February 1, 2022, at 8:49 am TRIBUTE TO AN AMAZING WOMAN AND MOTHER! Losing a loved one such as a parent, close relative or friend no matter the age of the person involved is always painful and life enduring for some. Sadly, this is how your children, loves ones and the entire Angiama Community that you have left behind will and are going through in one way or the other. Your loyalty, sacri ice and legacy to your children and immediate family during your lifetime is unparalleled and will be celebrated and continued by your children. While we are going to miss you on this side of eternity, we hope that you're now having eternal rest and peace with your maker. Adieu!

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ibutes TRIBUTE TO A WOMAN OF HISTORY While the majority of people today would easily recall the maternal qualities of this Christian mother as re lected in the disciplined upbringing and moral values imparted into her children, perhaps, only a few know that this nonagenarian Amazon was the pioneer First Lady of what is today Bayelsa State. It was at Comfort Oboh Street, Kiri-Kiri, Apapa, Lagos, that I met Johnson and we were instantly attracted to each other as caring neighbours. His way of life made me appreciate the quality of Mama's investment in her children. A peep into the family history shows a larger image of her personality. Behind every successful man, they say, is a great woman. This is true in the case of this blessed family. Given Nigerians' negative attitude to history, I won't be surprised if many of the older generation have forgotten while the younger ones might be ignorant of the role Mama and her iconic husband, Chief A.N. Frank Opigo, played during the eventful years of 1966 – 1970, which an American Journalist/Author, Dan Jacobs, captured in his book, BRUTALITY OF NATIONS. In the “New Administrative Theorem” of then Lt-Col Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Military Governor of the defunct Eastern Region, Pa Frank Opigo was appointed Administrator of the newly-created Yenagoa Province in 1966, the fore-runner of today's Bayelsa State: A people's dream realized after 30 years. By virtue of that position, Chief Frank Opigo played very important roles in the events that followed. Throughout his epochal life, backed by a compassionate and understanding wife, he stood for the truth. It's pretty dif icult to discuss such a man without appreciating the matriarch of the Opigo dynasty. After several tension soaked-meetings and the accompanying stress, he goes home to the warm embrace and soothing words of a “sensible spouse, a prudent wife” indeed. To manage the family eﬀectively and prepare the man to attend to his of icial and community functions at that critical time of Nigeria's history demands spiritual wisdom, balanced emotion and tolerance. And Mama was rich in all these as re lected in the quality of contributions the husband made to the nagging issues of the time, and the upbringing of her children, evidenced in the lifestyle and comportment of my neighbour and brother Johnson. Against the foregoing backdrop, Mrs Bosibiri Opigo does not only need to be celebrated for all the virtues we know, she deserves to be honoured as truly the First Lady of Bayelsa State; nothing was removed or added to the geography and landscape of Yenagoa Province she mothered as the Administrator's wife. As she joins the saints above, her deeds will continue to resonate on the earth. Farewell Mama, till Resurrection Day! Francis Onwudiwe Otukwu (Ozuo Omee)

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ibutes UNSPOKEN TRUTH OF A SELFLESS MATRIARCH It was not an easy task to write this tribute for a woman of your caliber. Even after exhaustive research, I still had to ind the appropriate words and phrases that best tell your story. Soon enough I realized that your story is unique and that I can only tell it in my own way. Moreover, I didn't want its essence to be lost in the web of emotions. I appreciate the fact that you were royalty and that the royal blood of both Dawai and Agbadagiri lowed through your veins. Your lineage included honourable royalties like King Seibai who was nephew to Agbadagiri and King Dawai. Having descended from the various kingships of Agia Kingdom, I am happy you lived a ful illed life here on earth. Your call to glory has thrown me down an emotional path I am not too familiar with because I rarely show emotions in situations like this. But I couldn't stop the tears form rolling down my cheeks. It was borne out of the realization that it will take a while before we see again and the love, care and support you've always shown to our family will forever be missed. I know you are in a better place where there is no pain or sorrow. It is a much deserved rest after over 90 years of incessant sacri ice to make sure your children have a much better life than you did. I miss you mama and you will forever remain in my heart. Saying goodbye isn't as easy as I igured but the impact you had in our family will forever remain with us. FIDEL ABOWEI

A PEACEFUL AND WONDERFUL MATRIARCH Our Matriarch, Mama Bosibiri's exit has elicited an over low of grief on the one hand and commemoration on the other. “Although, the highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude to Almighty God“ Mama, Bosi was a woman of tremendous impact through our father in our professional and personal lives. My father used to talk very well of her to us as a matriarch in the royalty of Angia Kingdom. He described her as a forthright, prodigious, kind, magnanimous, humorous, un lappable, and profound woman. Therefore, this great matriarch, Mama Bosi, will be remembered in our family with the following epitaphs: Ø You are forever in our hearts Ø You are an inspiration to all of us Ø You are an unforgettable mama Ø You enriched our lives Ø You nurtured us Ø Your light will shine forever Ø You were indeed a sharing and caring matriarch Ø Brave in spirit and unbendable in truth Ø Constant presence ever in our lives Surely, Matriarch Bosi Frank-Opigo (nee Akingi) dwells among the holy and now rest in peace BARR. (MRS) MIEBI GODGIFT IGALI

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ibutes TRIBUTESUNSPOKEN TRUTH OF A SELFLESS MATRIARCH It was not an easy task to write this tribute for a woman of your caliber. Even after exhaustive research, I still had to ind the appropriate words and phrases that best tell your story. Soon enough I realized that your story is unique and that I can only tell it in my own way. Moreover, I didn’t want its essence to be lost in the web of emotions. I appreciate the fact that you were royalty and that the royal blood of both Dawai and Agbadagiri lowed through your veins. Your lineage included honourable royalties like King Seibai who was nephew to Agbadagiri and King Dawai. Having descended from the various kingships of Agia Kingdom, I am happy you lived a ful illed life here on earth. Your call to glory has thrown me down an emotional path I am not too familiar with because I rarely show emotions in situations like this. But I couldn’t stop the tears form rolling down my cheeks. It was borne out of the realization that it will take a while before we see again and the love, care and support you’ve always shown to our family will forever be missed. I know you are in a better place where there is no pain or sorrow. It is a much-deserved rest after over 90 years of incessant sacri ice to make sure your children have a much better life than you did. I miss you mama and you will forever remain in my heart. Saying goodbye isn’t as easy as I igured but the impact you had in our family will forever remain with us. FIDEL ABOWEI A PEACEFUL AND WONDERFUL MATRIARCH Our Matriarch, Mama Bosibiri’s exit has elicited an over low of grief on the one hand and commemoration on the other. “Although, the highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude to Almighty God“ Mama, Bosi was a woman of tremendous impact through our father in our professional and personal lives. My father used to talk very well of her to us as a matriarch in the royalty of Angia Kingdom. He described her as a forthright, prodigious, kind, magnanimous, humorous, un lappable, and profound woman. Therefore, this great matriarch, Mama Bosi, will be remembered in our family with the following epitaphs: You are forever in our hearts You are an inspiration to all of us You are an unforgettable mama You enriched our lives You nurtured us Your light will shine forever You were indeed a sharing and caring matriarch Brave in spirit and unbendable in truth Constant presence ever in our lives Surely, Matriarch Bosi Frank-Opigo (nee Akingi) dwells among the holy and now rest in peace BARR. (MRS) MIEBI GODGIFT IGALI

Photo Speak Mama’s family, Friends and Acquaintances.

Enjoy our Pictorial Presentation

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Grace, Miebi, Helen & Johnson

Helen and Grace

Emma's reception as Commissioner 2007

Emma, Babbie & Johnson

Engr. Joe Opigo & Venerable I.B. Theophilus

Mrs Sai Opigo, Naomi, Emma, Mieye, Mama Evelyn

Beulah, Joshus, Akpoebi, Zoe & Simon

Imomotimi, Alex, Mama Evelyn, Grace, Helen & George

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Gabriel with heads of Oseke Family

HRH Prof M.F. Abowei, Mrs Abowei & Gabriel Abowei

Mrs Bon Sikoki, Helen & Grace

Imomotimi, Alex, Grace, Helen & George

Helen, Alex, Mama Evelyn, Sam, Victoria, Amaibi & Grace

Babbie & Karen

Franicis & Helen

Karina & Babbie

Grace, Ibitimi Igbaseimokumo, Aunty Augusta

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Naomi, Babbie & Kristine

Kristine, Johnson, Amaibi

Grace & Francis

Tekena, Kristine, & Doye

Sam, Alex, Richard, Felix, John, Emma

Grace, Francis & Helen

Grace, Mama Evelyn & Felix

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Joshua, Zoe, Akpoebi, Simon & Grace

Tekena, Karen, Doye & Babbie

Emmanuellla

Thomas

Mama Evelyn Opigo

Alex, George, Baby, & Johnson

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Amaibi & Wife

Kristine

Amaibi, Florida & Sam

Chief N.A. Frank-Opigo (1947)

Grace & Tekena

George

Grace, Bon & Helen

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Mrs. Maria Owi with children & grandchildren

Grace & Son, Doye

Emma & Wife, Sai

Guazigha

Helen, Doye, Papa, Greg, Tekena & Grace

Tekena

Helen, Baby Tekena, Papa & Grace

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Guazigha, son and grandchild

Emma & Family

Grace, Mrs Richard, Emma, Mama Evelyn, Richard & Helen

Emma & Family

Ijeoma, Pamo Johnson & Olivia

Grace & Imomotimi

Mama Evelyn & Helen

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Dautari, Grace, Johnson & Helen

Sandra & Kristine

Grace

Guazigha & Grace

Johnson & Ruth

Grace, Johnson & Helen

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George, Grace, Felix & Doumo

Grace

Travis and Mum with Baby Tekena

Grace

Grace with sons, Teken & Doye

Helen

First Child FrankOpigo Family, Imomotimi

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HRH Late N. A. Frank-Opigo the Patriarch

Grace and sons

Felix & Doumo

Grace & niece Karen

Felix

Felix's children Demi & Marlon

Late Gabriel Abowei, Ibianga, Moses, Abili

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Pamo & Felix

Doye

Richard with nieces, Babbie & Karen

Richard Opigo

Dr. Pamo Igali

Grace & Francis

Helen with nephew Tekena

Helen

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George with daughter Kristine

Iﬁemi with son Philip

Some members of Frank-Opigo family

Richard

Papa with granddaughter Demi

Pere ere

Felix with son, Marlon

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Emma, Francis, Johnson & Felix

Emma, Peter % Helen

Late Chf Engman, Emma, Francis & Johnson

Grace, Amaibi, Joshua & Imomotimi

Ijeoma, Austin & Grace

Oputari

George & Jackie

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Bon & Helen

Dr. Grace Opigo

Grace, Mr & Mrs Miebi and Helen

Dr. Helen Opigo

Helen

Maria

Karina, Karen & Babbie

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HRH M.F. Abowei and Gabriel Abowei

Imomotimi

Prof Francis Sikoki & Wife Bon

Hon. Emma Frank-Opigo

HRH Late N.A. Frank-Opigo

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Grace with Euenice Apreala

Grandchildren

Engr. Alex Opigo & Family

Alex & Wife, Vicky

Philip Nanoopere

Grace, Naomi, Emma, Mieye & Sai Mr. Yabitegha

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