‘Mama’s Life Impacted Me More Than Her Passing’ – Captain Enisuoh

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The remains of Madam Theresa Virginia Enisuoh was committed to mother earth at Agbere, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in  a blaze of glory and amid colourful, rousing eulogies.

Fifth from left, Captain Enisuoh with sibblings and family members at the reception hall

Her eldest son, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, who is the Executive Director Operations Technical, Tantita Security Services Limited, while giving a tribute to his mother, described her like all the other children and family members did, as a loving and caring soul, noting that though her passing affected him greatly, but that her life impacted him, more.

Captain Enisuoh standing in front of the mother’s casket during the church mass to give tribute

Speaking at the grand reception hall before the crowd of guests made up of hundreds of well wishers, friends, associates, colleagues, family members and town people, Warredi said, “like l said earlier during the mass, mama was a woman of peace who loved her children. I was particularly closer to her because of her special fondness for me.

The pallbearers taking the remains of Madam Enisuoh to her final resting place behind the Church in her compound

“During my days as a pilot, I used to find fun going to Canada to take her out on mother’s day. She reminds me of all the girls I dated in my life (laughs). She loved shopping. When we go to the shop, she would pick this and pick that and pick that…and I’d tell her “mom, who would to pay for all of these?

“She would say “shut up, you will pay.” After everything, I would pay. She would carry her bag in one hand and she would tell me to give her my arm.

“She would put her hand in my arm in the streets of Canada. When I protest, she would ask, “why can’t I hold your hand on the street.” I use to tell her people would think I married an old woman in Canada to get Visa.

“So, in all, we had a very great time. Her passing on shocked me but it is her life that impacted me. She encouraged me so much, she showed me love and tenacity even through the times of trial; she encouraged me.”

The tribute of uncommon positive memories was shared by her other children, including the late ‘Nurse’ daughter in-law and sole sister in-law; collaborating and defining her fine character.

Even though she was more often fondly called Nurse rather than Theresa her civil and baptismal name because of her disposition to caring for those around her, both medically and otherwise, through the giving of herself as a means in joyful service to humanity.

Perhaps, Mr. Ebiala Enisuoh, her last son’s tribute poignantly captured the character of the late Madam Theresa Virginia Ebisuoh; noting that  Nurse’s passion at ensuring that the family was united, resonated at every given opportunity, he narrated.

“My mother was a professional nurse, she was trained and worked as healthcare giver. But she gave much more than being a nurse, Mama was always a great support and unifier. Anytime we talk on the phone, she would say, ‘l love you’ and l will reply same.

“Then she will inquire if l have spoken with this or that person, my brothers and sister and other relatives, and l will say yes or no. If no, she will say, call…call, find out how they are doing, talk with them, tell them you love them; and l will reply ‘yes mama, l will.’ Mama was a strong, loving woman and l will miss her.”

Also speaking, late Madam Enisuoh’s daughter-in-law, Mrs. Chinazor Enisuoh explained that her mother in-law impacted her tremendously and helped her lovingly to find stability in her marriage.

With a tinge of emotion, she said: “I am a daughter-in-law to mama like I always called her. She never saw me during the early years of my marriage. We kept talking on phone. When she came to Nigeria was the first time of meeting her. I used to have a challenge in marriage at the time.

“She would always tell me, ‘if you continue to stay with these children, if you stay and take care of them, you would gain it.’ She would always call two days before our birthdays, she knows everyone’s birthday, including the children.

“You might even forget but she would remind you saying this child’s birthday is in two day’s time. Mom was the pillar I had that supported me. As I stand now, if there is anybody that would miss her, it’s me.

“There was this petty gossip we do together. She would say don’t tell anybody and I would say don’t tell anybody. I’d say it’s only you that I am telling and she’d say you can trust me. And we would seal it at that. It was the relationship.

“May the Lord Almighty continue to watch over her soul for the peace she has brought to the family. I told her that I would continue to do my best to make sure the family is united and I would continue to take care of the children.”

Reverend Father Cletus Okonkwo, led the funeral mass at St Peter’s Catholic Church Agbere, admonished guests to emulate the character and virtue of Madam Enisuoh’s legacy of helping care, peace and kindness.

People from far and near who graced the occasioned include traditional rulers from Gbaramatu Kingdom, official state representatives, security chiefs, the media and media friends, in addition to professional groups and callings.

Other children of the late Madam Enisuoh at the funeral ceremony also with large quests following include Mrs. Erebi Khan, Mr. Akpoebimowei Enisuoh, and Mr. Ebedi Enisuoh.

While the weather was friendly and calm throughout the event, Agbere Community experienced an uncommon human and vehicular traffic that is best imagined than described; it was mammoth.

A medical team was on standby beside the reception venue to respond to emergency health situation. Safety consideration was also given priority as private security operatives and bouncers were on ground to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere was not challenged.

Like the Church building inside and outside was adorned in colourful decorations in lily white and wine background, mixed with lilac and cream, the exquisite canopy hall right from the entrance with pavilions of  photo allure, right through the hall adorned with off white walls, with assortments of picturesque fixtures,  which together produced a delicate ambience of  a fair-field, oozing a profound feeling of peace and calm.

An ubiquitous, all kids local musical band from Akwa Ibom State was on ground to traet guests to a breathtaking cultural instrumental and local vibes with a sprinkle of colloquial English.