Tears As Family, Colleagues, Friends Bid Vanguard Editor’s Mother, Wife Farewell

Tears and emotions were freely on display as the remains of Mrs Celestina Aboda and Mrs Bridget Umoru, mother and wife of an Associate Political Editor with Vanguard Newspaper, Mr.Henry Umoru were laid to rest at Ikpeshi in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

Friends, colleagues, and family members of Umoru trooped out in their numbers to join him in paying their last respect and bidding farewell to whom a close associate described as the two most important women in his life.

The pains of losing dear ones were clearly obvious given that Henry’s mother, Mrs Aboda died on September 26, 2023, at the age of 75 following a brief illness.

In the midst of mourning his mother, Henry’s wife, Bridget, who is a staff of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN), also passed on after a brief illness aged 46 years.

Faced with the unfortunate development, the family decided that the remains of both women be committed to mother earth on the same day at Umoru’s home town, Ikpeshi in Edo state.

At the Service of songs held at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, for Mrs Bridget Umoru, a close family member, Mr Morobo Desmond-Dan described the late Bridget as a woman of peace.

In his tribute, Desmond-Dan said; “She was a very peaceful woman, even when you are the one who offended her or she offended you, she will come and tell you, sorry, please don’t be angry”.

Also speaking at the Service, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council and Editor-in-Chief of Forefront Magazine, Mr. Amos Duniya, said the circumstances required that Mr Umoru should hold on to God and braced up as a man.

“This is indeed sad and devastating. I can’t imagine my close friend and confidant, Henry Umoru losing his wife and mother within less than 24 hours. Very painful, but we would try and see how we can encourage him to overcome. He will surely overcome by God’s grace”, the veteran journalist said.

On his part, a close confidant of Mr Umoru, former General Manager of Benue Printing and Publishing Company (BPPC), Mr Ben Agande, who also spoke at the occasion, said the late Bridget was a supporting wife who would be sorely missed.

According to him; “She was indeed a highly supportive wife to my friend. Henry and I have known for over thirty years and I know them very well, I just don’t know how my friend would cope without her. I’m really afraid”

Similarly, A Deputy Director and colleague of late Bridget in the Department of Corporate Development and Communications (CD&C), FRCN, Mrs Onyinye Orji Kalu prayed God to console her loved ones.

Mrs Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the Corporation, said; “We cannot question God. May her beautiful soul rest in peace”

Drawing inspiration from the Bible reading and the hymns sang during the Service, such as “Fading away like the starts of the morning”; and “It is well”,  the Presiding Catholic Priest, John Adimula encouraged the faithful with the biblical hope of everlasting life in Christ Jesus.

As the Chief mourner, Henry Umoru, who appreciated the people for the love and support shown to him since the tragic losses occurred, said; “if it was the visitations, prayers and support, my lovely wife would not have died.

“This show of love has made me to vow that I will serve God more than ever before in my life!”