SAPELE, Delta State – The matriarch of the Ikpen and Ukueje families, Late Mrs. Eunice Eziregbe Ikpen, was laid to rest last Friday in her hometown of Deghele, Sapele Local Government Area, amid an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes.
The funeral rites began with a Service of Songs and culminated in a funeral service at Bethel Baptist Church, Sapele. Thousands of mourners, including family, friends, church members, government functionaries, academics, media professionals, and community leaders from all walks of life, gathered to honour Mrs. Eunice Ikpen, widely remembered for her compassion, faith, and committed service to God.
The atmosphere was solemn as prayers and reflections filled the church. Mama Ikpen was extolled for her intellectual legacy of bridging culture and communication. She once rendered the reintroduced national anthem, Nigeria We Hail Thee, in Okpe language, earning widespread recognition for her expertise. Her mastery of the language made her a sought-after resource, with scholars, institutions, and cultural bodies across the globe consulting her for accurate Okpe translations.
Delivering the sermon at the funeral service, Rev. Dr. Dickson Madoghwe urged Christians to live lives worthy of emulation and to remain steadfast in Christ. He described Mama Ikpen as a devoted believer whose humility, good works, and commitment to God would continue to inspire all who knew her.
Family members and close associates paid glowing tributes, describing her passing as a monumental loss to the Ikpen household and to the Nigerian Baptist community, particularly Bethel Baptist Church, Sapele. They recalled her unwavering support for her family and her contributions as an educationist and pillar of the church.
Speaking to journalists after the service, her eldest son, Barr. Mudiaga Ikpen, said his mother was a pillar of strength whose love, sacrifices, and wisdom shaped the lives of her children and many others. He noted that her caring nature and counsel would remain unforgettable.
Her son, Mitaire Ikpen, a senior reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority, and other siblings also praised her legacy, expressing confidence that her values would live on for generations.
Tributes also came from the Women Missionary Society, the Diaconate, the Church Council of Bethel Baptist Church, Sapele as well as delegations from other Baptist Churches in Benin City, Asaba, Lagos and Abuja. They described the late Mrs. Ikpen as humble, peace-loving, and deeply committed to the Christian faith, noting that her exemplary life touched countless people within the church and the wider community.
Mrs. Eunice Eziregbe Ikpen was interred in Deghele Village, Elume-Sapele, as family and well-wishers celebrated a life dedicated to service, faith, and humanity.
She is survived by six children: Mrs. Omerhiowan Felicia Ijabor, Mrs. Ufuoma Udofia, Barr. Mudiaga Willington Ikpen, Rev. Dr. Akpojero Jomo Ikpen, Mr. Mitaire Kessington Omamurhomu Ikpen, and Mr. Ikuesiri Julius Ikpen. She also leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, sisters and other relatives.