It was a moment of grief, celebration, and farewell for the late Madam Ibiene Jeremiah Edward Inko Erekosima (fondly known as Opu Baby).
Madam Ibiene was born on the 17th of February, 1946, in Garikida, into a devout Christian family—Mr. Jeremiah Inko Edward Erekosima of the Johnbulls Compound in Buguma, Rivers State.
Following the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, Madam Ibiene was recruited into the Rivers State Ministry of Health, with the support of the late Chief Dr. Melford Graham Douglas, a descendant of King Amasa of Tema.
She was initially employed as a ward maid—a foundational role in healthcare. With steadfast determination and quiet resilience, Madam Ibiene distinguished herself. Her zeal and willingness to develop professionally led the ministry to sponsor her for further training. Upon completion, she was promoted to the position of auxiliary nurse within the nursing unit at Degema General Hospital.
Madam Ibiene was a loving mother—always accommodating, and passionate about the things of God. Her warmth and devotion endeared her to many within her family and beyond her work environment. She was deeply committed to the well-being and unity of the Johnbulls and Iketubosin families.
Her burial witnessed a great outpouring of love from the Da Iketubosin family and the Chief Erekosima Johnbulls family.
At her Abonnema residence, the 3 Cross Society sang solemn songs as she would have loved to bid her farewell, while heartfelt prayers were offered for her immediate family.
Afterward, her remains were received by the Johnbulls family with an open-air service held in her honor.
Madam Ibiene’s final resting place is at Buguma Cemetery.
She is survived by her foster children, chiefs, nieces, in-laws, and numerous family members, too many to mention.
