Dignitaries on Saturday shut down Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area, for the burial ceremony of Chief Mrs. Grace Funke Omoniwa, mother of the Managing Director of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).
The guests, including top present and past government functionaries from the federal, state and local government levels as well as family members gathered at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul’s Anglican church to pay their last respect to the late entrepreneur and devoted Christian.
The Bishop, Ijumu Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Prof. Paul Ojo said life is brief and can be counted, hence the need to live exemplary life that is worthy of emulation with reward both on earth and thereafter.
According to him, all men will die and give account of their stewardship before their respective creator, urging the congratulations to fear God and be law abiding to constituted authorities.
Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, who led members of the State Executive Council to the burial ceremony expressed the condolence of the Government and people of Kogi State to the Omoniwa family, Iyara Community, Ijumu Local Government over the death of the icon.
According to Dr. Ayoade, it is painful to lose a beloved mother, urging the family to take solace in the fact that Chief Mrs. Omoniwa lived a fulfilled live.
While praying God to grant the deceased eternal rest, the SGS prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
President of Iyara Development Association, Alh. Aliyu Badaki described the deceased as a selfless woman, who was committed to the development of Iyara Community.
Alh. Badaki recalled how Chief Mrs. Omoniwa agreed with her late husband to give up their only house for the establishment of the first generation bank in the community, Unity Bank.
While conveying the condolences of Iyara Community both home and Diaspora, the IDA National President noted that Late Chief Mrs. Omoniwa will be remembered for her acts of discipline and philanthropic gesture.
Speaking on the life and time of Chief Mrs. Omoniwa, the Managing Director of NAIC, Mrs. Folashade Joseph described her late mother as an upright Christian and disciplinarian, who used her lifetime to impact lives of those that cross her path positively.
Mrs. Joseph, who expressed gratitude to all that identified with the family at their moment of grief, said her mother will be greatly missed abd the vacuum her demise has created, will be too difficult to fill.
Other dignitaries at the event include, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Abubakar Kyari, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Prince Olushola Akanmode, Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, Member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu, Arc. Salman Idris, Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara rtd, Commissioner for Finance, Idris Asiru, Critical stakeholders in the nation’s insurance industry, Traditional Rulers led by Obaro of Kabba and Chair, Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi just to mention but a few.
