The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy; the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu and the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., among other dignitaries, on Sunday, graced the 10th year memorial anniversary thanksgiving in honour of late Dame Merry Oritsetimeyin Ehanire, mother of the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.
Speaking to journalists after the thanksgiving service at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Benin City, Obaseki extolled the exemplary life of late Dame Ehanire, hailing her contributions to the development of the state.
The governor said, “Mama is one of the pillars of the Anglican Church. She was a mother that cared for so many as her home was like a dormitory with different people as she took care of them and emphasized education.
“All mama’s children are well-educated and have continued to contribute to the development of the society. One of her children is the Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one was a former Senator, another a Permanent Secretary in Oyo State, among others, as she has imbibed education in their lives.”
Delivering his sermon from the Holy Book of 1 Cor. 15:1-11, Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Imasuem, described the late Dame Ehanire as a lover of God and mother who cared for the downtrodden.
He said, “Mama has lived a fulfilling life and raised God-fearing children who are affecting the society, state and country positively.”
The cleric charged, “I urge the congregation to ensure they live their life well by impacting on humanity. It is only when you live an impactful life that people will remember you for good when you are long gone.”
Other dignitaries at the thanksgiving service include the Comissioner for Oil and Gas, Ethan Uzamere; former Commissioner for Art, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Osaze Osemwegie-Ero; former Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, and former Commissioner of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, amongst others.
