As preparation gears up for the final journey to eternity of Mrs. Grace Agbaji Ochoga(aged 89), the mother of the Chairman, Benue State Elders Forum of All Progressives Congress, APC, Zone “C”, Barrister John A.A. Ochoga, Nigerians across political divide have poured tributes on her.
The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, described the late matriarch of the Ochogas family, Mrs Grace Agbaji Ochoga, as a virtuous woman and a devout Christian who dedicated her life to the service of God and humanity.
Ortom’s condolence message came as former Governor of the state and the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume, also described late Mama as a role model to the womenfolk and an epitome of humility.
Ortom in a condolence message he personally signed, said mama’s death came at a time her wise counsel is most needed.
The Governor penned, “The death of a mother at whatever age is a painful experience given the love, care and warmth she embodies. From all accounts, the deceased was a virtuous woman and devout Christian who dedicated her life to the service of God and humanity.”
“Her sterling quality and deep sense of character impacts positively on the lives of her children and several others under her tutelage. Her transition at a time her wise counsel is most needed is painful and has left a void in your hearts that is difficult to fill.
“I however urge you to take solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life and utilized the opportunity to impact on several generations. Herein lies our justification for celebrating the life and times of this matriarch.”
Akume on his part stated, “Late Mrs Grace was a role model to many women in the community. She was an epitome of humility that dedicated most of her life to the service of her immediate community.
“However, as Christians, death is just the beginning of another existence in eternity. Just like Timothy, your mother fought a good fight, finished her course and kept faith with the Lord. She will always be remembered for the life she lived which will continue to inspire those who knew her.”
Senator Barnabas Gemade, in a statement signed on his behalf by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Solo Dzuah, urged the Ochoga family and the APC Zone “C” to take solace in the teaching and doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ over the loss.
“It’s not palatable losing a mother at whatever age,” he said describing it as “painful and colossal.”
The former Minister of Works and Housing prayed to God to accept the soul of Mama and prayed to the Lord to grant the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Also, the Benue State All Progressives Congress, APC, in a statement on behalf of the party, by the State Publicity Secretary Caretaker Committee, Hon Peter Akulega, described the passage of Ochoga’s matriarch as a “glorious exit, but still painful” to the APC family.
“The Benue Progressives family under the umbrella of the APC Benue State chapter heartily commiserate with you, the entire family and Idoma Nation over the unexpected demise of our matriarch, Chief (Mrs) Grace Agbaji Ochoga who began her journey to eternity on February 2, 2021.
“Your mother, Chief Mrs Grace Enoche Ochoga, answered the glorious call at a time her priceless wisdom and counsel are most needed to support the existential challenges of the immediate family and larger APC family in Benue.”
“Mama was a strong supportive pillar to you in your capacity as the Chairman of APC Benue South Elders Forum, which ensured the party’s robust presence in the entire Benue Zone C axis.
“The Benue APC family will miss her warm company, evergreen advice and support, as she embarks on the everlasting journey, only God Almighty can sufficiently console you at the moment of sadness,” said the Benue APC.
Professional colleagues to Barrister John Ochoga, popularly referred to as “Akpa-Olofu” were not left out as they also joined in the roll call of sympathizers.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, J.S. Okutepa, urged the family to take solace in the fact that Mama lived a fulfilled life and was blessed with illustrious children who distinguished themselves in their chosen careers.
“Mama was blessed to have you in particular, who is not only a accomplished legal practitioner of note, but a member of the distinguished body of Benchers and Life Benchers.”
Wole Olanipekun, SAN, in his condolence letter said the late matriarch lived a worthy life and contributed “immensely to the development of her environment and upliftment of the gospel of Christ.”
The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Otukpo branch, also commiserated with their members, Barrister I.A. Ochoga, Esq and Prince Ichemta Ochoga, Esq over the loss.
