Grand burial of late Deaconess ogornnah Evelyn Dike | FamousPeopleAfrica
Editorial
Flipping Through:
Witnessing an impactful ceremony with cost-free medical care that touched the lives of many, especially, the people of Etche, Rivers State; the colourfully organised chain of activities; the liberal purchasing power churned out within the first week of the last month of the memorable year; and the class of personalities, great and small, young and old – the uniformed, the collar, all and sundry, could cause one to long for a replication of Mama Evelyn Ogornnah Dike’s funeral experience.
But there is a season, and a time to every purpose on earth.
Eighty-seven years ago, when umuonukwuru, Ozuzu Etche, had the baby (Evelyn) in the house of the Nwachukwu Meboms, the people of Umuezibe, Akwukabi, Etche, and the rest of the world, never knew that another woman of Zarephath had been born.
Many of the less privileged in Akwukabi cannot easily forget the relief they enjoyed during her lifetime and can attest that they have lost a benevolent heroine, who took the welfare of her people at heart. Few parents can be numbered who had no privilege of seeing the four walls of the classroom but gave their heart, soul and strength for their offspring to be lettered.
And here was one who extended it beyond her biological children. Would it be hard to perceive why at her funeral, the impact of her life is still felt through the days of the free medical outreach?
This is an observation of the last respect to a woman whose life has inspired many minds.
In Christian service, she occupied the humblest role and showed sincerity; and in worship, she showed that we can be true to God in this generation.
This is not just a time to assemble and merry; not just a moment to ease away leave, but a time of sober reflection. In flipping through the pages of the programme brochure; in looking through the photos, images and memorabilia; in listening to testimonies, reading the tributes and biography; and in pondering over the times of Ma Evelyn Ogornnah Dike, teach us to number our days and to apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Emmanuel O.U. Ikpegbu (Ph.D)