A delegation of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have paid a condolence visit to the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Nkem Nwaeke, following the demise of his mother-in-law, Mama Grace Sarah Ikeke Omoaregba, who passed at the age of 84.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, expressed sympathy with Nwaeke and his family over the loss, describing the death of a loved one as a painful experience that leaves an irreplaceable vacuum.
In his condolence message, Olannye drew inspiration from Ecclesiastes 3:1, which states that there is a time for everything under heaven, including a time to be born and a time to die.
He noted that even if Mama Omoaregba had lived to the biblical age of 120 years, her death would still have been painful to her family, who would greatly miss her motherly tenderness, care, love, companionship and wise counsel.
“Her demise will surely create a void that no one can fill, but we encourage you and your family to find solace in the fact that she was a woman of God who lived a godly life and impacted those around her with love and care,” he said.
The Chapel Chairman prayed God to grant Nwaeke and his family the grace and fortitude to bear the loss, while assuring them of the Chapel’s readiness to provide support whenever the need arose.
“Please accept our sincere condolences and assurances of our commitment to give our support where and when needed. May Mama’s gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Almighty God. Amen,” Olannye said.
Responding, Nwaeke expressed gratitude to the Chairman and members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel for their show of love, solidarity and support during his family’s moment of bereavement.
The CPS said the visit demonstrated the strong bonds of friendship and professional fellowship within the journalism community, noting that the gesture had provided comfort to him and his family at a difficult time.
Nwaeke disclosed that while Mama Omoaregba was alive, he and his wife, alongside her other children, made conscious efforts to ensure that she lived a happy and fulfilling life.
According to him, the family cherished the time spent with Mama, particularly during festive periods when her presence brought warmth and joy to their home.
Recalling her close relationship with his family, Nwaeke said Mama Grace had become well known in his hometown of Igbodo, reflecting the bond she shared with him and his household.
He thanked the Chapel for standing by the family in their period of grief, describing the visit as a source of encouragement and reassurance that they were not alone.
The condolence visit ended with prayers for the peaceful repose of Mama Grace Omoaregba’s soul and for God to comfort the bereaved family.
