By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – IT was a ceremony of emotions as tributes poured from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Abbas Tajudeen, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume among others to late Chief (Mrs) Victoria Aniso Ugbodaga, the mother of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Orthopaedic Hospital (NOH), Ogheghe in Benin City, Dr Philip Ugbodaga.

Her body was laid to rest in Enwan, Akoko-Edo local government area after a funeral mass at St Patrick Church, Enwan. She died at 102 years old.

Hon Tajudeen in a statement by his Chief of Staff, Professor Jake Dan-Azumi described the late Mrs Ugbodaga as a loving mother “Her unwavering devotion and the values she imparted have touched all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire and guide your family and the community.”

On his part, Sen. Akume commended the late Ugbodaga for bringing up quality children like Dr. Philip Ugbodaga and his siblings which include Dr. Peter Ugbodaga who retired as a Permanent Secretary in the Edo StateMinistry of Health.

“She will be remembered for her selflessness to her family, community and unflinching commitment towards the betterment of society.”

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori in a signed statement said “I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the entire Ugbodaga family” describing her as a virtuous woman of uncommon grace, “an exemplary mother, a nurturing pillar of support, and a model of discipline, compassion, and service.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa described the late matriarch of the Ugbodaga family as a pillar of strength, a devoted mother, and an inspiring community leader while the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako said despite the age of the Mrs Ugbodaga, losing a mother would always be painful.

Former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion in a letter to the family through Peter Ugbodaga said she was a “remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on her family and community.”

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda prayed for the repose of her soul.

The Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors, Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria through their chairman, Professor Emem Bassey said they were happy to celebrate the legacy of the late Ugbodaga.

The management of the NOH through Mrs Vera Eno commended the special bond Philip Ugbodaga had with his late mother.

In an emotional tribute, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga said he enjoyed the utmost motherly care from his late mother.

He said “As her last child, I got all the love and tender care of a last child and even more. She pampered me. In primary school, I would leave the school premises during break to go home to my mum.

“In my youthful exuberance, when I engage in an act that was reported to my father, my mum will get me off the hook by stating she has held me accountable.

“I am thankful to God that her show of motherly protection did not get to my head or make me a “spoilt last child”.

“Until her death, if she knew I would be visiting, she still kept meat for me from her food. We spoke on the phone almost daily, as much as I can ever remember.”