Ode to Princess Adeline Noah Oruigoni (1954-2019)

Hmmmn! Life is a marketplace where sons and daughters of Eve come and go as traders. Come what, the Prince and the beggar must depart the land of sojourn to account for his transactions at the marketplace. So it was for Mrs Adeline Noah Oruigoni (nee Jeremiah), a great daughter and Princess, born in 1954 […]

Hmmmn! Life is a marketplace where sons and daughters of Eve come and go as traders. Come what, the Prince and the beggar must depart the land of sojourn to account for his transactions at the marketplace.

So it was for Mrs Adeline Noah Oruigoni (nee Jeremiah), a great daughter and Princess, born in 1954 to the royal family of the late Chief Jeremiah Emmanson and the Late Mrs Abigail Umoette Jeremiah of Udoinyang Nko kindred, Idung Akpayita in the then Inen Ikot Unah of Ekpuk Nto Udo Akpan, now Inen Ekeffe in the present day Oruk Anam LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

She died at 65 after a brief illness, and began her final journey on Saturday November 30, 2019 to mother earth at her country-home (Noah Azuibuike Oruigoni’s Compound), Galille Avenue, Ottoni  Ama, Nkoro Community in Opobo/Nkoro LGA of Rivers State.

Daragogo, as she was fondly called by her children and family members, was a vibrant, sincere, hardworking, home builder, peacemaker and above all, a faithful Christian and selfless woman.

During Mama’s early years, the girl-child education was not really important in the overall scheme of things, although the male child had an advantage. Not that their parents and guardians were poor.

For the late Mrs Oruigoni and as applicable to every girl-child then, the extremely awkward position in the society on western education was bad influence on her early days’ development and the entire future. She could not proceed beyond primary education at Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Inen Anwa Attat, now Primary School, Inen.

Given the situation, we believe our Late Mother was lucky and opportune to have broken the taboo and achieved such feat, having born into a family with a blue blooded background.

Daragogo who was endeared with humility, respect and foresight still had the zeal and desire for further education in spite of all odds, and enrolled for her post primary studies at the Holy Trinity State School (UNA), Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt even as she had already given birth to five children.

To say the least, Mama was a woman of wit and intelligence, the qualities that empowered her to stand out among her peers; investing invaluable sacrifices to ensure her children got the best of education because education is knowledge – the  only heritage that parents can bequeath unto their children.

Former Miss Adeline Emmanson Jeremiah got married to the late Elder Noah Azuibuike Oruigoni of Amatokubo Furo, Opu-Ottoni War Canoe House, and Alabipi Furo, Offruma War Canoe House in Nkoro Community of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Rivers State and the marriage was blessed with five boys and two girls. The children have all grown to become a guide and reference point for any successful marriage, and are qualified professionals doing well in their chosen fields.

Nwanye-Ocha, as she was affectionately called by her business associates and friends, was an industrious and versatile business mogul.

A resourceful merchant, she traded in provisions and foodstuffs, and the businesses thrived and really opened up her world as she was transacting with traders in different parts of the country. Proceeds from the business venture were therefore channeled into feeding and paying the children’s school fees, in addition to catering for other family needs.

Our late mother was so committed to the business that the children had to put a great deal of pressure on her to take a rest. Very unfortunate that the pillar of the family bowed out at the time we least expected. Her business associates at Creek Road Market, Port Harcourt (her then main business domain) were thrown off-balance by the news of Nwanye-Ocha’s sudden death.

Late Mrs Oruigoni was a devoted Christian and a vessel of honour, sanctified and useful for the Master’s use according to Paul Apostle’s admonition to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:21). She and her late husband who was also a believer in Christ Jesus, were fellowshipping with Methodist Church Nigeria, both at Nkoro and in Port Harcourt.

Resulting from her health challenges, Mama who was always visiting places evangelizing, became weaker by the day but never allowed travails of life to jeopardize her faith in Christ Jesus. She could not travel far any longer and decided to be worshiping with the Assemblies of God Church, Ibadan Street, Port Harcourt that was nearer to her residence.

On her retirement from trading business, she relocated to Onne on the outskirts of Port Harcourt and joined her daughter and grandchildren, worshiping with the Deeper Life Bible Church, till her death.

Daragogo’s major hubby and intent in life was to fend for her late husband and children including the extended family members, as well as the less-privileged in the society.

A peacemaker and sympathetic woman to people’s plight, she made an enormous sacrifice, and used her resources to clean off people’s tears.

Mama, a virtuous mother with high moral value, was supportive to her late husband, children, and others that came her way, with a strong nobility of discipline, ensuring their happiness at all times. She was accommodating to a fault without segregation.

Princess Oruigoni, a home builder and peacemaker has departed in a hail of glory. On that fateful Friday at the Military Hospital, Port Harcourt when the cold wind of death came blowing on her, she bowed and answered the glorious call. In accordance with the scriptures, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” (Psalm 116:15).

It is our conviction that MrsOruigoni, one of those with highest moral rectitude who committed and dedicated herself to the core value of Christianity, has joined the Saints in Heaven to celebrate the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Brethren, we want to assure you our mother slept in the Lord; do not grieve like those with no hope, “for since we believe Jesus Christ died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus our mother who has fallen asleep in Him” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

According to George Bernard Shaw, in his book titled: Quotable Quotes for Quoters, “you can only enjoy Heaven when you are naturally qualified”.

Our mother was qualified to enjoy the above quotes, even as she joined the Saints and Choirs in Heaven to sing “Love divine all loves excelling.” Rest on, Mummy!! Till we meet again to part no more!!!

To mourn her, are the children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, cousins, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, and nieces, among many other relatives.

Mama, we love you.

Goodnight!