Recounting her last days on earth and transition, Ndukuba said over the years, his mother had been approached by several dioceses and churches for recognition/investiture of one title or another, which she consistently turned down.
He said: “But surprisingly, she accepted to receive the Ageless Beauty Model honour from St. Andrew’s Basilica Enugu during the 2021 Mothering Sunday if she would be alive at the time. She participated in the pre-event activities and celebration of her group’s victory on Monday, March 8, only to pass on by 5 am of the following morning.
“March 9, 2021, will remain a day we will always remember in our family, because in the early hours, just around the time Mama would always wake us up with her hymn singing, that same time she peacefully transited to be with the Lord Whom she loved and served.”
During the Service of Songs preceding the burial, Ndukuba, who is the eldest son, attested to the virtue of his dear mother, saying she knew God, feared Him and strongly believed in prayer. He said she was such a disciplinarian that she would not only get them to work hard and do all sorts of domestic and even menial works, but would also never spare them whenever they did wrong or defended them from their father when he dealt with them. She taught them not to be afraid of standing for the truth, even if it meant standing alone. When he became a Bishop, she specifically told him, ‘Henry, never let this staff fall out of your hand.’ She raised us up in the fear of God.”
The Anglican head summarised his tributes and testimonies on his mother in the brochure, thus: “I learnt the very vital life principles from you and Papa. Both of you were teachers and disciplinarians per excellence, in the room, in the kitchen, on the farm, in Church and in school. You taught us ‘the dignity of labour’ and that we are not too big to do anything. You taught me that there is no house chore or duty that a boy cannot do. You taught me to cook, sweep, sew my torn dress, weed the farm, fetch fodder for goats and fetch firewood.
“You taught me that it is evil to cheat and be proud but to never allow anybody to put me down. We still remember your story of a tortoise who was boastful and proud, but when it was taken to market with a small chicken, the price for the chicken was triple the price of the tortoise, and it was like: ‘Tortoise, see your worth.’ Mama you were there for us, especially at the crossroads of life. You prayed, encouraged us and stood by us to go for our best. You challenged us when we were wrong and often publicly. You were a great and effective mentor and friend…”
There were other testimonies and tributes for the late Mama Ndukuba, as well as condolences to the Primate and family, including that of the Trinity Foundation (Ibru Centre, Agbarha-otor).
The burial service was presided over by Dean of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev. (Dr) Ali Buba Lamido, assisted by Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Nigeria. Others at the service included officials of the Church, Imo State Governor, Mr. Hope Uzodimma, his entourage and dignitaries from the state.
