The Chairman, DE WAYLES GROUP OF COMPANIES, High Chief (Dr.) Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP, FCILG) in a heartwarming display of devotion and gratitude to God, Almighty hosted a remarkable 5th Memorial Service in honor of his late mother, Deaconess (Mrs) Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore, on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
The grandiose event, which was held at St. Matthew Anglican Church, Patani, Delta State Nigeria, brought together family, friends, dignitaries, and well-wishers from across the Globe to celebrate the life and times of a woman whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
The roll call of dignitaries which is inexhaustible includes His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori who was highly represented, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, Senator (Dr) Arthur lfeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta state, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah the Executive Governor of Enugu State who was represented by Hon. Ken Ugwu the Head of Service, leading others in the Enugu State Executive Council to the event, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Delta State Chief (Sir) Monday John Onyeme, Senator Joel Onohwakpo Representing Delta Senatorial District, Senator Friday Benson Konbowei representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, the Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, Delta State Chief of Staff, Hon Prince Johnson Erijoe, Deputy Speaker, RT Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Former Delta State SSG, Comrade Ovuosorie Macaulay, Hon Fred Agbedi, House of Reps Member, representing Sagbama/ Ekeremor federal Constituency, in Bayelsa State,
Pastor Jonathan Ukodhiko House Reps Member representing lsoko Federal constituency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo representing Ika North/Ika South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, Hon. Mike Okah, former Delta State Transport Commissioner and several past Executive Council members from Delta and Bayelsa states.
Members of Delta State Executive Council, Members of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, Hon. Barr Orezi Esiovo, Hon. Victor Egbo and Elder Moses Iduh. Captains of Industry, amongst whom are High Chief Tunde Smooth, High Chief (Evang) Johnbull Ejovi, Chief Kenneth Oboku, Chief Brodericks Arigbodi, Chief (Engr) Daniel Omoyibo, Sir. Clement Moni, Dr. Lucky Okparayote, Mr. Anthony Nwangwu, King Itopo, Dr. McCarthy Ijiebor,
Chief Monday Omizu (Mogbash), Chief Voke Oshasha, Mr Charles Emiye, Engr (Alh) Aliyu Mohammed of NUPRC, Mr Chris Okolo, Surv. Peter Akarogbe, Surv. Elias Ovesuor and other notable dignitaries too numerous to mention. At the occasion were Management and staff of IPMAN, NUPENG – Keonomex Petroleum unit, Emadan Inspection Engineering Ltd, Bullbear Integrated Services Ltd, FEFE IY and partners Insurance Brokers Ltd, 1st Bank, Wema Bank, Keystone Bank, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, United Capital and Shorepower Ltd.
Also present at the memorial and thanks giving service were Local Government Chairmen including Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday of Isoko South, Hon. Isaac Aguamah of Patani LGA, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni of Warri South – West, Hon. Julius Takeme of Burutu LGA and several other Local Govt. Chairmen in Delta and Bayelsa states, as they celebrated the amiable life of late Deaconess Mrs Magdalene Zipuamere.
A Life Worth Celebrating
Deaconess Magdalene Egukawhore, who passed on at the age of 77, in 2019 was a pillar of her family and community, known for her deep faith, compassion, and unyielding commitment to humanity, she was a shining example of selflessness. Her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother extended far beyond her primary responsibility, extending to mentorship, spiritual guidance, and act of kindness that earned her love and admiration from all who knew her.
Her contributions to community development were underscored during the service by heartfelt tributes from clergy, community leaders, and family members. St. Matthew Anglican Church, which hosted the service, was filled to capacity as guests came to honor her life and reflect on her enduring impact.
An Atmosphere of Reverence and Thanksgiving
The memorial service commenced with a solemn procession and uplifting hymns that resonated within the church. Clergymen led prayers of thanksgiving, reflecting on the late Deaconess’s unwavering faith and her steadfast dedication to God and humanity. A sermon, delivered by the presiding cleric, Rt. Rev Victor Okporu , Diocese of Western ljaw Patani entitled Mother’s influence culled from Genesis 27: 1 -7 centered on the role and the importance of mothers in shaping and influencing the life they would wish their children live. He stressed the fundamentals of living a legacy-driven life, drawing parallels to the remarkable life of late Deaconess Mrs Magdalene Egukawhore.
The annual memorial service, began five years back as a carnival-like celebration of life. This year’s commemoration was no exception, as it was full with solemnity, gratitude, and joy of remembrance.
High Chief (Dr) Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore, a renowned business mogul and philanthropist, AKA Marine Oxygen while addressing the Press expressed his profound gratitude to God Almighty for the success of the Memorial Service and the opportunity to honor his mother’s evergreen memories.
In his interaction with newsmen, the High Chief during the media parley and session described the memorial as a deeply personal and spiritual occasion aimed at immortalizing his Mother’s memory to the glory of God,
speaking with deep affection with an emotionally ladden voice laced with a blend of grace said:
“Our beloved mother, Deaconess Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore, was a devout Christian, a dedicated Mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life and service to humanity left an indelible mark. Her legacy is one we are committed to keeping alive, ensuring it remains evergreen for generations to come as long as the earth exist.”
He appreciated all the Governors, senators, National Assembly members, House of Reps Members, the House of Assembly Members for Delta, Bayelsa and Enugu States, Members of Delta, Bayelsa and Enugu States Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, James Welch Old Students Association, the clergies particularly the Bishop of St Matthew Anglican Church Rt. Rev Victor Okporu , Diocese of Western ljaw Patani and the Bishop of Oleh Diocese , Anglican Communion Rt. Rev John Eruakpo.
Captains of industry, Women, youths, Management & staff of De Wayles Group of Companies and everyone who played one role or the other to make the event a resounding success.
High Chief Emonena Egukawhore’s remark was a highlight of the event. He recounted cherished memories of his mother’s unwavering support, wisdom, and encouragement, which played a pivotal role in shaping his journey to success. He described her as a “rare gem, a virtuous woman whose love knew no bounds and whose faith never wavered.”
A Celebration of her Legacy
Following the church service, a grand reception was held in Patani, featuring an outpouring of cultural displays, music, and culinary delights. The event attracted a host of dignitaries, business associates, political class, community leaders, and friends of the Egukawhore family, all united in their admiration for the family’s commitment to preserving their Matriarch’s memory.
The President General of lsoko Development Union lDU Prof Chris Akpotu and many others in their goodwill messages, lauded High Chief Egukawhore for his remarkable strides in business, philanthropy, and community service, which they attributed to the values instilled in him by his late mother who is being celebrated 5 years after transition to eternal glory.
The celebration concluded with a thanksgiving dance, led by the Egukawhore family, symbolizing their gratitude to God for the gift of their Matriarch’s life and the blessings that have followed her transition.
An Ever-Green Memory
The 5th Memorial Service of Deaconess Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore was a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and the legacy of a life well-lived. For High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore, the annual event is a sacred duty to honor the memory of a woman whose life remains a guiding light for her family and community.
The memorial service was a clear pointer to the unforgettable legacy of Deaconess Magdalene Egukawhore which will continue to shine, in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her and be touched by her remarkable life.