Ndukuba, Udogu, others mourn late Dame Efobi

Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba on behalf of his wife, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba and the church have commiserated with retired Archbishop of the Niger Province, Bishop of Diocese of Aguata and Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Christian Efobi and his family over the death of his wife, Dame Jane N. Efobi, who died on August 6, 2020.

The Primate, who spoke through the Archbishop of the Province of Niger, Most Rev. Dr. Alex. Ibezim, at a burial service in her honour at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Azu-Ogbunike, Anambra State, urged the bereaved family not to sorrow as those without hope. Ndukuba and his wife recalled how they all worked together in the North with the deceased and her husband, and how supportive she had been to his life and ministry. He assured the bereaved family of their prayers. 

Also speaking at the service, the Bishop of Afikpo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paul Udogu, said Jesus Christ has been revealed as the only way to salvation. He noted that the burial day, August 6, corresponded with the commemoration of the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to him, God Himself spoke both at His Baptism and Transfiguration that Jesus is His Only Son that should be followed.  He regretted that many have deviated, by following their own devised ways of salvation. He warned those who corrupt and manipulate church ministries to attract people to themselves, rather than Jesus to desist from such acts.

The preacher called on Christians to return to Jesus and recognise Him as the only way to be truly saved, both for eternal life and troubles of the world.

Udogu, who served in the North with the late Dame Efobi, said the deceased’s life and ministry was a reflection of what it meant to follow Jesus.

“She was heavenly conscious and served God sacrificially. She married a missionary serving in the North, which was not lucrative and became the backbone to her husband’s ministry, as they traversed villages in Northern Nigeria. She later became a beacon to women ministry in the Dioceses of Yola and Aguata, where they eventually became bishop, a counsellor and motivator,” he said.

The bereaved husband, Archbishop Efobi, while speaking at the event, reminded the living that life is transient. He expressed a sense of loss on the sudden departure of his wife, who had been his companion and support all through his ministry. He was, however, grateful to God for answering their prayers of not separating them during their active service. He said his wife died peacefully, with assurance of eternal rest and that all should prepare for death, since all must die in due time.

In his tribute, the Rector of the Ibru Centre, Agbarha-otor, Ven. Dr. Princewill Ireoba described Dame Efobi as lively, friendly, frank, guileless, wise, contented, generous, motherly, unassuming, honourable and godly.