By Goodnews Ofem
Tears and tributes flowed freely as the remains of the wife of a former military governor of Borno state, Her Excellency Mrs Salome Zainab Marwa (Nee Agbaso) Igolo Oha 1 was laid to rest after a funeral mass held at her father’s compound at Uzomkporo Ezedibia Emekuku, Owerri West Imo State.
Her body arrived her father’s compound at about 10 am with military escorts and an environment filled with family, friends and a horde of sympathisers.
In a sermon during the funeral service, Rev Fr. Steven Egwim said Chief Mrs Salome Marwa was a true baptized Catholic whose life of kindness and generosity was an exemplary one. He urged all the believers of Christ to live a life worthy of emulation, knowing that we will all one day return to our creator.
The husband of the deceased, former Military Governor of Borno state, Former Military Administrator of Lagos state and Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa in his words described his late wife Zainab Marwa as an exemplary wife and mother to their four children and 10 grandchildren and said she played an important role in his success and career in life.
Brother to the deceased and former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Jude Agbaso said the loss of his elder sister, Salome had created a great vacuum which can hardly be filled while describing her as an excellent woman, kind and generous to all.
In his speech the Governor of Imo State who was represented by his deputy, Dr Placid Njoku described the demise of late Mrs Salome Zainab Marwa as a painful one, describing her as a woman with a heart of gold. He prayed that God Almighty in his infinite mercy grants eternal rest to late Mrs Salome Zainab Marwa.
The Chairman of Toast 90.3 FM Owerri and the former Imo State gubernatorial candidate Sir Okey Ezeh described the loss of former First lady of Borno state as a great one and a thing of sadness saying she was a well-loved daughter of Imo State an prayed that God comforts the entire family and grant rest to the soul of the departed.
There was a heavy presence of security provided by the personnel of the Nigerian army, Nigerian police, Nigerian security and Civil Defence Corps and the National Drug law Enforcement Agency to ensure orderliness as residents flooded the funeral to pay their respects to the departed.
Among the dignitaries at the event were His Excellency former Governor of Anambra state and former Vice-Presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, Chairman of Toast 90.3 FM Owerri and former Imo State Governorship candidate, Sir Okey Ezeh, former Governor of Imo State Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Deputy Governor of Imo State Dr. Placid Njoku and Chief of Staff to the Imo State Governor Nnamdi Anyaehie.
Also, in attendance was the member representing Owerri West in Imo state House of Assembly Hon. Philip Ejiogu, the Permanent Secretary to the government of the federation Dr. Mbaeri Maurice, Rtd Col. Mohammed Abdul from Kaduna state, HRH Eze Ejeshi Obi of Ezedibia ancient kingdom, HRM Eze Cletus Iromuanya Eze Obinugwu, HRM Eze A.C Onuh and other Royal fathers.
Others are the national President Igbo national stakeholders assembly (INSA), Chief John Uche, MD of Fidelity bank Mrs Nneka Ibeh, and a host of other dignitaries.
The late former first lady died on the 8th of January at 66 after a protracted illness. She was also known for her advocacy for women empowerment, girl child education and campaign against drug abuse.
