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!! 🙂 🙂