Tributes To Elegant Dame Mabel Egede As She Celebrates @ 80

Dame Mabel Bamidele Egede clocked four scores in the month on July 5, 2023 but the Egede family of Professionals rolled out drums for her celebration on September 30, 2023.

The venue of Mama’s Birthday celebration is posh, depicting a high sense of glamour befitting of the Elegant Queen and the Matriarch of Egede family, Dame Mabel Bamidele Egede.

As she was led into the event theatre by her beautiful children, family members, associates and leaders of thought, Mama’s sense of humour was out of this world. She dazzled her guests with excellent gait of a well groomed Queen who had gone through the rigours of real life education; so graceful was her whole being, including her waving and adorable gesticulations. She was adorned in glittering gold that must have been made by a Fashionista who knows her onion as it was simply hers by the fitting. As she was being led to her seat, she also observed the necessary etiquette before yielding to the acceptance of the waiting arm of the honouring throne of celebration.

caption: Mama walking with his first Son, Dr. Christopher Egede

Among many of those in Mama Egede’s entourage were his children, Dr. Christopher Egede, Engr. Augustin Egede, the twins – Mrs Beatrice Nwachukwu and Bernice Ogbolu with the humble and loyal Roland Egede who is the last Baby of Mama. In their unity of purpose and resolve to happily celebrate Mama, they chose to tell the story of Mama’s love; this they did silently but spew it out in their dressing but only the discerning mind can decipher this in their choice of blue regalia.

Caption: Mama flanked by his family as she cuts her cake

Even at 80 Mama who is still very much conscious of her environment still exuded high sense of decorum, orderliness, protocols and above all his reverence to God Almighty.

Yes, the story of Mama is that of a distinguished Amazon who broke all human conceivable limitations and barriers to impact her world. Despite her education as a Senior Nurse and exposure, she remained adept to the old time religion and culture, which abhors extreme insane freedom, which she instilled in her children.

When her lovely husband, a renowned development economist, leader and great father, Mr. Ikechukwu Egede, who was her best friend transited to glory over two decades ago, it was as though the world had come to an end but certainly not an end to the sprouting seeds of greatness he sowed in his wife and Children. She mourned but not like those who did not have hope in Christ Jesus. She picked up all in her arsenal with diligence and prayers to guide her children to a great future.

Mama Egede is a no nonsense mother, mentor, Grandma, Sister and Aunty whose meticulous disposition to high moral standards showed in all that she has ever been engaged in, reports her children.

Caption: Mama Egede with Bishop Ifeanyichukwu, his children, relations and in-laws shortly after a prayer session at her 80th birthday party

For their gratitude to God for his mercies and grace upon Mama and his children, the event began with a Sermonette and a prayer session for the family by Rt Rev Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Diocese. He led the guests to prayer session where he prayed for sound health for Mama, many more years on earth and the prosperity of her children and all who had graced the occasion.

Caption: HRM, Obi (Dr) Emmanuel Efeizomor, breaking the kolanut with Dr. Egede on his side

HRM, the Obi of Owa Kingdom in Ika North-East local government area of Delta State with the support of the heir of Egede family, Dr. Christopher Egede performed the tradition of breaking of the kolanut to formally welcome the guests.

 in his testimony, HRM, Obi (Dr) Emmanuel Efeizomor, reminded the guests that Mama Egede is an epitome of Integrity who has remained spotless in all her ways.  “As a senior medical worker, a nurse, she did her job to the satisfaction and admiration of all. She retired without blemish. It was the same way she served her children and the people. 

“After the death of your husband, you have carried on with fear of God diligence to the admiration of all. You are a beauty yet a hard nut to crack when it comes to morals. Any girl who wishes to learn and succeed should go to Mama Egede whom I call Tubo-tubo”, the Monarch advised.

Obi of Owa Congratulated Mama for her new age, praying God to also grant her many more years with good health.

In his tribute,  Mr. John Aleh who was Mama Egede’s youngest brother but more of a son started living with Mama at the age of 10, said he was always sick but Mama and her husband spared nothing to ensure that he became a human being. “I was perennially in and out of hospital”, he said.

 “There was no where I was not taken to  by Mama and her husband to ensure that I live despite the fact their children were there to cater for.

“On a sad note, my two other siblings went the way of all mortals but for the sacrifices of Mama Egede and late Papa, I still live and stand today”, he stated. He prayed to God to grant Mama a very long life with sound health.

For Mr. Raymond Ugboh, he said Mama picked him up and gave him the highest exposure any parent could have given to her loved children. “Mama had a Volkswagen Beetles car. She taught me how to drive and I always drove her to wherever she went. She could send me anywhere, trusting that I would not derail and I took this as a challenge not to fail. She guided and mentored me into what I have become. I am so grateful to Mama”, he said.

Caption: Mama with his first Son, Dr. Egede as she prays for her children, grand children and her guests

Speaking about his mother, the first child, Son and the heir of Egede family, Dr. Christopher Egede profoundly thanked her mother for the lavishing love on them; and for warding off those who could have distracted them from focusing in their studies and reaching their goal. “It was Mama’s close-marking and tackles that ensured that we were not carried away with the juvenile activities”. Christopher is happily married, a medical Doctor and a proud father. He plies his trade in the United States.

Caption: Mama’s three Sons, Dr. Christopher Egede (left), AGM, Stanbic IBTC, Roland Egede (middle) and Engr. Augustin Egede (right) leading her out during a Thanksgiving service at St. Peters Anglican Church Owa, Delta State.

In the same vein, Engr. Augustin in a very humourous manner recalled how Mama prevented him from seeing a female friend and on a certain day told the girl to leave her son alone. “Mama further persuaded me to sit and study. Today, I am proudly an Engineer. I owe you all Mama. You were so smart and could read every move we intended to make. We appreciate it even better today. You were interested in a brighter future for us all”, he concluded.

Caption: Mama Egede receiving prayers and encomium from her twin-daughters, Mrs. Beatrice Nwachukwu and Mrs Bernice Ogbolu

Mama Egede also got showers of praises from her twin-daughters, Mrs Beatrice Nwachukwu and Bernice Ogbolu sang sonorous songs of “Ezigbo Nne” Good Mother and showers encomium on her for the values she bequeathed to them with their husbands also  joining in the chorus.

Caption: Dr. Christopher Egede and his youngest brother, Roland Egede, AGM, Stanbic IBTC, Mama’s youngest child.

Earlier, the youngest of Dame Mabel Bamidele Egede’s children is Roland Egede, a Banker with finesse, Investment guru and the Assistant General Manager (AGM) of one of the front line Universal and Investment Banks, Standard  IBTC Bank took the stage to relive his experience with Mama.

Caption: L- R: Engr Augustin Egede, Roland Egede with his wife, Mrs Peace Egede.

He simply took every guests on a memory lane as he recited a Nursery rhyme titled “My Mother” which captured his feelings towards Mama. That really thrilled every guests who passed through Nursery and Primary schools. He read the first and last stanzas:

“Who Sat and watched my infant head

When sleeping on my cradle bed

And tears of sweet affection shed?

My Mother;

“When thou art feeble, old and grey,

My healthy arm shall be thy stay,

And I will soothe thy pains away,

My Mother”

The AGM who earlier proposed the toast also gave vote of thanks.

Caption: R-L: Mama’s first Son and his lovely wife, Dr.& Dr Mrs Egede, Roland Egede and Wife, Engr. Augustine Egede and Mr Nwachukwu, Beatrice’s hubby.

The high point of the Occasion was the quiz that bordered on what Mama Egede love, preferred colour, Song, Bible verses, food and drink. The result only caused some laughter in the hall and everybody was a winner by the verdict of the Master of Ceremony.

Caption: Anglican Christian Sisters Association and other Women group in a photo shoot with Mama Egede

Meanwhile, the Owa Communities, Delta State Government Functionaries, Staff and Management of Standard IBTC, Clergy, the members of the Traditional Councils even as friends, Contemporaries, Associates, Well-Wishers and foreign partners found their ways to the venue to celebrate with the Egede family.

Caption: AGM, Stanbic IBTC, Roland Egede flanked by friends, colleagues and members of the family; Hon. OGBONNAYA Uche Onwuchekwa, a friend of the family also in a selfie photo pose with Mama Egede

Mama Egede who was all smiles took time to bless his Children for honouring her; blessing them that greater honour will be their portion. She also prayed for everyone who had identified with the family at the auspicious occasion of her 80th Birthday.

Caption: Mama and her five Children shortly after Thanksgiving Service on October 1, 2023.

At St. Peters Anglican Church, Owa, Mama Egede remains their Chief Environmentalist who ensures clean environment and that the trees and other exotic plants within the Church premises are carefully taken care of. “Mama would literally be crying should anything happen to any of the trees or flowers in the Church premises, Ven. Okoh had revealed. 

Ven. Okoh in concert with other priests of the church prayed for the family for good health, long life as the they prosper in every facet of life.

The event also had the display of traditional dancing by Ika Cultural Troup among others. Women groups were seen adorned in their different uniforms with all styles of colourful gele.

Mama’s Birthday is certainly a memorable one. Food and beverages were surplus with choice wines, soft drinks and traditional and continental cuisines not only on display but got to everyone who stepped into the venue of Mama Egede’s 80th Birthday celebration.

Like the prayers of the saints, Traditional Ruler and his Children, there was an unanimous agreement that God should please grant Mama the grace to live up 150 years… That’s our prayer.