… A good woman from the greatest generation
Living beyond 86 is one thing in modern life that demands attention, celebration, and appreciation. This is doubly so for those who have lived and still live, in the public eyes serving other in distinguished capacity.
The fast transforming ancient community of Onicha –Ugbo in Delta State Nigeria, was agog and in festive mood last Sunday four generations of the Odum family with thousands of friends and well-wishers attended the celebration of Mass at All Saints Catholic Church Onicha –Ugbo in honor of their family matriarch, Mrs. Theresa Adankwo Odum, who turns 86.
The family greeted the matriarch with a song as they serenaded her while she watched from the Church altar overlooking the congregation. She lit up the Church with captivating smiles, exuberant, zestful, and spirited.
After Mass, an afternoon public celebration in honor of her birthday and her decoration at Ezenne in the Catholic Church was held where hundreds of relatives and well-wishers around the country made sure to pay tribute on her milestone birthday.
Last but not least, families from all across the country recorded sweet messages for the octogenarian who had a humbled beginning as a seamstress and as a farmer, a quintessential virtuous woman.
Mrs. Rita Okonkwo, the first daughter told Jungle Journalist Media Limited that her mother is “powerful, highly-respected, and loved mother. She is our family foundation and guiding light. She is our bright north star- full of wisdom with a heart full of love for her family.
“Her faithfulness to the important people in her life could be seen in the way she steadfastly maintained ties with everybody. She is never stingy; she is gifted with generosity of spirit. She guides each and every one of us with high standards and limitless love.
“Mama is a noble mother, teacher, mentor, sister, prayer warrior, an amazon, and indeed a role model”.
Also speaking to Jungle Journalist Media Limited about the personality of his Mother-In-Law, Comrade Bolum Nwachukwu, Delta State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUC), said,” living to see 86 years in the land of the living is something we should be grateful to our Creator.
“She is my Mother-In-Law. She has some unique principals of life – She never lets anybody down. She fulfilled every obligation she ever undertakes. Her word is her bond, and everyone knew it. I never heard her utter a lie, nor intentionally deceive.”
There was plenty of love and warmth in the festively decorated venue as community merry to the woman who has brought so much joy and happiness in to their lives.
Guests at the surprise party had a ball sharing stories of Mrs Theresa Odum’s warmth and kindness.
Among the invited guests was Comrade Efenudu Lawson, Executive Secretary Bureau for State Pensions, Delta State and a veteran Labour Leader who congratulated her on the milestone and wishing her continued health and happiness in her future years.
Throughout the occasion, the celebrant was full of life as guests eulogized a woman with heart of gold and spirit as feisty.
There was excitement in the community as many eminent personalities including political office holders, Catholic Men Organization, Catholic Women Organization and senior civil servants and prominent indigenes graced the occasion.
Mrs. Theresa Adankwo Odum was born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Anazia of Idumu Ogbele, Isiekpe , Onicha –Ugbo, Delta State Nigeria. She got married to Late Mr Vincent Gabriel Odum of Umoshomi, Onicha –ugbo , Delta State Nigeria.
The octogenarian is also devoted and dedicated to things of God which earned her the conferment of the prestigious title of Ezinne by the Catholic Women Community of Onicha –ugbo Catholic Church on the 13th of August 2022.
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