The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Engr. Sunny Oche, on Thursday, May 22, 2026, paid a condolence visit to the families of Late Dickson Okeda Ogbu at Ndogaba in Ukwonyo, Utonkon, to sympathise with Amb. Kenneth Okeh and his wife over the passing of her mother, a revered matriarch who died at the remarkable age of 101.
The Chairman also extended his condolences to the Ward Head of Ukwonyo, Chief Otokpa Ocheme (Redu III), and his elder brother, Engr. Edwin Ogbu, Ottrah I of Ufia, as well as the entire Wuroja Kindred who mourned the demise of the late centenarian whose life was widely celebrated as exemplary, impactful, and fulfilled.
Mrs Rebecca Okeda Ogbu, fondly remembered for her humility, resilience, discipline, and dedication to family and community responsibilities, was laid to rest amidst a well-attended and colourful burial ceremony that attracted dignitaries, relatives, friends, and well-wishers from far and near.
Speaking during the condolence visit, Engr. Sunny Oche urged the bereaved family to take solace in the long, meaningful, and accomplished life lived by the deceased, noting that she surpassed the biblical age of “three scores and ten” and left behind enduring legacies worthy of emulation.
According to the Chairman, the late matriarch distinguished herself through her virtues of peaceful living, commitment to humanity, and strong family values, which are evidently reflected in the admirable lives and achievements of her children and descendants.
“Though death remains painful, there is great comfort in the fact that Mama lived a fulfilled and honourable life. Her humility, wisdom, and devotion to her family and community earned her respect and a good name among her people,” he stated.
On behalf of the government and people of Ado Local Government Area, as well as the staff of the council, the Chairman prayed God to console the immediate family, friends, associates, and the entire Wuroja Kindred. He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for divine strength upon the family to bear the irreparable loss.
The burial ceremony witnessed a massive turnout of sympathisers and notable sons and daughters of Ufia extraction, including the immediate past Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Benue State Ministry of Justice, Barr. Chuzi Egede, MON; Chief Otokpa Ocheme (Redu III of Ukwonyo); Engr. Edwin Ogbu Ocheme (Ottrah I of Ufia); Governor’s Liaison Officer (GLO) to Ado Local Government, Hon. Mathew Ugwuru (Lona); Labour Party State House of Assembly Aspirant, Hon. Nathaniel Ogaragbo; Hon. Samuel Ojike; President of Daughters of Ufia International (DOUI), Lady Agatha Urrah; President of Ufia Youth Forum (UYF), Comrade Gahagan Akpa Okpali; Dr. Idah Ogaga, PhD; SA to the Chairman on Special Duties, Mr. Mathew Egba; Alhaji Ogbu Ajogi; Mr. Edwin Okwo (Tall Eddie); Mr. Enet Ugwu; Mr. Kevin Otokpa CNA, among several others.
The event featured rich cultural displays and moments of reflection that celebrated the enduring legacy of the deceased. Guests were entertained by an acrobatic dance troupe from the South-East region, while the Eteji people of Ebonyi State delivered a historic and emotional presentation in honour of their daughter who was married into the Ogbu family. In their tribute, the late matriarch was described as a strong and virtuous woman whose life remains worthy of emulation.
The ceremony ended on a solemn yet grateful note, as family members and guests alike thanked God for a life well spent and the enduring impact the deceased made during her lifetime.
Signed,
Innocent Igelle cLMiH, mPPSN, MCAI
Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman
Thanks Our Capacity Chairman.
Sleep on mama