Isiguzo Pays Condolence Visit On The Alenkhes
By Simeon OSAJIE
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo accompanied by the President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ladi Bala earlier today, paid a condolence visit to the family of the Alenkhes on the death of their Matriarch, Mrs. Rose Akuogbe Alenkhe, who died on Monday the 7th November.
Speaking during the visit, Isiguzo said that the death of the mother of Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the Edo NUJ is a loss not only to the Alenkhes but also to the body of the Union.
According to him, “we have come to condole with you and the Alenkhe Family. Your mother lived up to 76 years but even if she had lived up to 200 years, the death of a loved one, particular of a mother, is always painful, knowing that we would never see that person again, but that the realisation that she lived a life of dedication to the things of God and haven brought forth children like Festus Alenkhe and other children, shows that she was a virtuous women who gave her life for the good of the family and mankind”.
The NUJ President said he loves the courage with which Festus is handling the death of his mother, stressing that he had suggested that the NEC meeting due to hold in Benin City for which they were in Benin, starting today should be cancelled because of the death of his mother being the host but that Festus vehemently objected to any postponement or cancellation.
“I just want to let you know that her passing away affects us as much as it affects you. She is your mum and equally our Mum.
“I have heard so many beautiful and good stories about her. She was a home maker committed to Christianity and God. She had a deep affection for God Almighty. Having brought forth somebody like you is an indication that she was a great woman.
“The fastest way to look at her life is to look at the sterling qualities of the life of our brother, Festus. The bread fruit does not fall far away from the tree.
“The kind of great qualities that Festus exudes will naturally give any one the impression of who late Mrs. Alenkhe was – A great woman indeed.
Going further, Isiguzo said, “She has done her part as a good woman and as good children, the only way we can immortalise her is to cherish those things she stood for. Any time you stand at the side of peace and justice, each time you do a noble thing, each time you take someone to God, be rest assured that wherever your Mum is, she would be happy that she has given birth to good Children who have taken after her footsteps.
“The Union would be at his side particularly at this crucial period and our God Almighty would provide for all that is needed to give her a befitting burial, he assured.
In his response, Comrade Festus Alenkhe thanked the President and his entourage for their kind gesture and the showing love for him and his family.
He said that the compound where the President is sitting was the resident of his mother whom he said refused to relocate to somewhere else despite all entreaties.
He said his mother was a humble and generous individual who loved to give to all who crossed her way.
In his words, “Mr President sir, this place where we are seated is my mother’s house. I made several attempts to take her to another house but she refused. Then I made attempts to renovate the property but she refused for fear that kidnappers and other criminals would not come after her. So, I decided to make sure she was well fed but somehow most of the things I was sending, she was giving out to others and at some point, I will ask her, ah, Mumy, you are the only one at home, how come all the things we are sending keep disappearing? We knew she was giving out to others and we made sure we keep sending so that she wouldn’t lack anything”
He further added that, “I have even asked my relatives to search everywhere in the house as I am sure there must be some good money she must have kept but which she couldn’t use before her death.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Federated Chapel, Mercy Onyenweli and members of the chapel also paid a condolence visit to the Alenkhe on the passing away of their martriach.
