By Joseph Okoghenun

As the late Madam Okoghenun Ikhuo-Eko Theresa is laid to rest today, October 17, 2026, at Eko-Omoataman, Ebulen- Uzea, in Edo State, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the remarkable journey of a woman whose life was characterised by resilience, family devotion, humility and enduring faith.

Madam Okoghenun passed away in the early hours of July 21, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on March 15, 1936, into the family of the late Pa Omoataman Okoh, the great Road Overseer of the former Ishan Division and founder of Eko-Omoataman Village, Ebulen, Uzea, in the present day Esan North East Local Council of Edo State. She was the first surviving daughter of the family, a distinction that formed an important part of her family history.

The early years of Madam Okoghenun’s life were marked by painful losses. At a tender age, she lost her mother, Afemhonta, and her two siblings. These experiences exposed her to hardship and sorrow while she was still young. She was subsequently raised by her grandmother, Mama Ayi, who provided care and support during her formative years. Unfortunately, her grandmother also died not long afterwards.

In the face of these successive losses, her stepmother, the late Mary Omoataman, and her father, Omoataman, stepped in to provide the care, guidance and support she needed. Their intervention helped her navigate a difficult childhood and laid the foundation for the resilient woman she would become.

Growing up in an era when formal education for girls was not widely accessible, Madam Okoghenun learnt important lessons through family life, farm work and household responsibilities. These experiences taught her discipline, humility, patience, hard work and the importance of serving others. She developed practical wisdom and an appreciation for the value of perseverance.

From her early years, Madam Okoghenun was known for her calm disposition, kind heart and strong sense of responsibility. These qualities remained evident throughout her life, demonstrating that a person’s character is reflected not only in material possessions or educational achievements, but also in how they treat others and respond to life’s challenges.

In due course, Madam Okoghenun married the late Mr. Daniel Okoghenun of Ibhiolulu-Ewessan, Irrua, in the present day Esan Central Local Council of Edo State, as a younger wife. Their marriage opened a new chapter in her life, bringing responsibilities and opportunities to build a home and raise a family.

Their union was built on companionship, commitment and mutual respect. As a wife and mother, she devoted herself to the welfare of her household, working hard to provide a stable environment in which her children could grow and develop. She believed in the importance of discipline, honesty, respect and responsibility, values she sought to instill through both instruction and personal example.

Their marriage was blessed with four children: the late Mrs. Rosa Okoduwa (1956–2003), Ms Cecilia Okoghenun, Mr. Paul Okoghenun, Chief Executive Officer of Rahony Travels, and Joseph Okoghenun, formerly of The Guardian newspaper. She also had an adopted daughter, Mrs. Maria Okoedion, who demonstrated exceptional devotion by caring for her until her final moments.

As a mother, Madam Okoghenun was deeply committed to the welfare and upbringing of her children. She understood the sacrifices required to raise a family and worked tirelessly alongside her husband and her late father, Omoataman, to contribute to the family’s stability and wellbeing. Her dedication reflected the sacrifices made by many mothers who place their children’s needs above their personal comfort.

Through her example, she helped impart values that could be passed from one generation to another.

Following the death of her husband, the nonagenarian relocated to Igieduma village, near Benin City, in 1998. The move marked a significant transition, requiring her to adjust to a new environment and navigate life without her lifelong companion. Despite the challenges associated with widowhood and relocation, she faced this period with courage, dignity and patience.

She gradually established herself within the community, forming relationships with neighbours and friends and becoming a peaceful member of her new environment. Her calm nature and considerate disposition helped her maintain meaningful relationships. She valued peaceful coexistence and understood the importance of living harmoniously with others. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining faithful to the values that had guided her from childhood was an important feature of her character.

One of the most significant developments in Madam Okoghenun’s later years was her opportunity to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Through this study, she gained a deeper understanding of God’s Word and the hope it offers for the future of humankind.

In 2007, she was baptised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, marking an important milestone in her spiritual journey. Her growing faith greatly influenced her outlook on life and strengthened her hope for a peaceful new world under God’s Kingdom.

The Bible’s promises provided her with comfort and reassurance as she reflected on the hardships, bereavements and other challenges she had experienced throughout her long life. She came to cherish the prospect of a future in which suffering, pain and death would no longer afflict humankind. This hope became a source of encouragement and helped her face life’s uncertainties with greater confidence.

One scripture that reflected the hope she valued was Psalm 22:26, which speaks of the meek eating and being satisfied and those seeking Jehovah praising him. Her faith gave her a meaningful source of encouragement and strengthened her anticipation of the blessings associated with God’s Kingdom.

Madam Okoghenun remained grateful to Jehovah for the long life she enjoyed, recognising that reaching the age of 90 was a privilege, particularly considering the difficulties she had faced from childhood. Her Bible-based hope remained an important part of her life until she died on July 21, 2026.

Madam Okoghenun lived through nine decades of remarkable social, cultural and personal change. Her journey encompassed childhood bereavement, family responsibilities, widowhood, relocation and the discovery of a faith that brought her comfort and hope. Through these experiences, she demonstrated perseverance and the importance of maintaining dignity and kindness in the face of life’s challenges.

She leaves behind four children, 21 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, alongside other relatives, friends and members of the communities in which she lived.

Her life offers important lessons about resilience, humility, family commitment and the value of peaceful relationships. From her early struggles to her later years, she demonstrated the importance of facing life’s uncertainties with determination and maintaining concern for the wellbeing of others. Her story is also a reminder that even after experiencing profound loss, people can find renewed purpose, comfort and hope.

As family members, friends and well-wishers gather at Eko-Omoataman, Ebulen-Uzea, to bid her farewell, they have reason to reflect not only on the sadness of her passing but also on the many years she lived and the relationships she nurtured. Her memory will remain precious to those who shared in her journey and benefitted from her presence.