by Blesing Bliss Chukwuma.
Okrika Town came together on Friday, August 23rd, to pay their last respects to the late Madam Agnes Amiebi Tamunoigbeinbia Peter Sekibo, nee Chukuibi, during a solemn funeral service held at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Okrika.
Madam Agnes Amieibi Tamunoigbeinbia Sekibo was born at Okrika on the 3rd of February 1948 into t family of Pa Charlie Chukuibi and Elfrida Amiediki John, both of Blessed memory of Ngemebiri in Koniju Town Okrika, Rivers State.
She was the 3rd child and second daughter of her Parents. exceptionally beautiful and the fairest of them all which got her the name “WHYTEE’ A name which took over her original name from childhood till her death.
After her Primary Education attaining her Standard 6 Certificate, not having an opportunity to further her studies as it was common with girls her age then, she went into tailoring with her aunties and with her mother who engaged in various trades. She was a hardworking and industrious young lady, admired mostly by the Elders as she always gave them attention and ran errands for them.
Late Madam Agnes Sekibo was married to Late Mr. Tamunoigbeinbia Peter Sekibo of Opuaji Family of Awolome Biri in Okrika. They got married on the 4th of December, 1965 according to the native Law/Custom and Traditional YAA Ceremonies of Okrika Kingdom. Their marriage is blessed with Children by God’s grace.
Her family life as a very loving and caring wife was known to all in the community as she showered her husband, children, grandchildren and in-laws with unconditional love and affection.
Her husband did not also hold back in pouring his love on her as she was his Confidant and pillar of strength as they journeyed together through the changes and chances of life.
He loved her very much and provided all she needed to the admiration of all. He wouldn’t let her do any work Being an industrious woman and desiring to assist her husband in providing for the family, she was abla to convince him later in the marriage to allow her engage in business. She went into fish business at John Holy Fisheries and later became one of the distributors of flour at the Port Harcourt Mills.
Madam Sekibo was a very generous giver.
Nothing was too valuable to part with for the good and benefit of anyone in need.
Her home was a very warm safe haven to her in-laws, her children’s friends, Ministers of the Gospel, strangers and most importantly, the indigent. She believed God deposited something good in every of His creations. You only need to be patient to find that good. For this reason, she lived at peace with all men.
She was endearing, filled with wisdom and had a very good and healthy sense of humor which made her a friend and mother to everyone.
Sisi, as she was fondly called by her childrens and all who knew her was a great cook with magic fingers as she won the hearts of many with her sumptuous meals. She was not a goad eater but dedicated her time and resources n feeding others.
Sisi was widely known for her Wednesday jollof rice as neighbors and friends looked forward to it every week.
Despite being so loving and caring, Sisi never spared the Rod with her children, their friends and even neighbor’s children. She was a good disciplinarian and gave the full weight, when required. A good mother indeed.
Late Madam Agnes Sekibo was a devout Christian, one that loved the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated her life and time to His service.
She loved singing songs of Praise to her God while going about her daily duties like her late Husband who played Hymns every Sunday Morning, reminding their Neighbors it’s the Lord’s Day. No wonder all their Children and Grandchildren are Choristers and instrumentalists in their various locations.
She was Baptized and Confirmed by the then Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese Rt. Rev. Samuel O. Elenwo of Blessed memory in the year 1985 preceding her Blessing of marriage with her hushand at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Chutch, 37 Hospital Road Port Harcourt which is the Family’s Church till date.
She was a Member of the Mother’s Union and Women’s Guild of St Cyprian’s Church and was awarded “mother of the year 2017.”
She was one of the founding Members of Women Sweeping Group Six of the church, where she was very active. She enrolled four of her daughters and her only Daughter-in-Law as members too. They are all still very active in the group.
Sisi, was a pioneer member of the Women Choir where she supported their late pioneer Leader Madam Boma Brown in singing traditional folk songs during Harvests and other activities of the church.
Sisi was a beautiful dancer with amazing dance steps and their wonderful Pot Beater till she could not participate again due to age and ill health.
At the time St. Cyprian’s Church established its first Baby Church, St. Phillip’s Anglican Church, Marine Base, Port Harcourt and Parishioners were encouraged to worship there. Madam Agnes Sekibo was one of those who made it a point of duty every Sunday to worship with them at the Scripture Union Building which was its first Worship Center before they acquired their own building still at Marine Base. Her support and encouragement in the growth of the church especially the Women Ministry made the women appreciate her as “the mother of the year 2019″ during their MU/WG Conference.
Madam Sekibo joined the Widow’s Fellowship of the church after the demise of her husband.
She has since then hosted them to an annual end of year fellowship in her home with food, drinks, and gifts. A generous woman indeed.
This tradition has since been taken over from her by her children for continuity.
Not forgetting her Roots at all, Late Madam Agnes Sekibo and her Late husband were one of the first Members of The Wakrike Brethren of St. Cyprian’s Church Port Harcourt. She was the Treasurer for a long time and served excellently.
Madam Sekibo was also an active Member of the St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, Okrika, a member of its Mother’s Union and Women’s Guild, a member of Women Sweeping Group 2. She travelled home to sweep the church in the month of February every year until her last days.
She served her God in quietness and humility and always encouraged her children and all who came across her to do same. As she would always say
“THE LORD IS ALL I HAVE AND HIM ONLY WILL I SERVE!”
The service began with the reception of the body, procession, bible reading by sisi’s son Mr Tamunoigbeinbia Peter Sekibo Jnr., intercessory prayers, hymns and then the sermon by Rt. Rev. Tubokosemie Abere, JP Rtd. The warm warm welcome from the clergy, who spoke of Madam Agnes’s life, emphasizing her commitment to her family and community. Hymns filled the cathedral, resonating with both joy and sorrow as attendees reflected on the cherished memories they shared with her
As the funeral service progressed sisi’s family hosted the congregation to a beautiful musical presentation, singing some of the songs their mother liked most.
As the service concluded, attendees participated in a procession to her final resting place, filled with both sadness and gratitude for having known such a remarkable woman. The memory of Madam Agnes Amiebi Tamunoigbeinbia Peter Sekibo will continue to inspire those she left behind, ensuring that her legacy of love and community endures.
The ministers who officiated during Sisi’s funeral are:
1. Rt. Rev’d, Enoch Atuboyedia, Jp (Bishop, Diocese of Okrika)
2. Rt. Rev’d Tubokosemie Abere, Jp Rtd.
3. Ven. Amavey Abbey-Kalio
4. Ven. Ibisabo Inichinbia
5. Ven. Dr. Richard Ibituru Hart
6. Ven. T. T. Abereoku
7. Ven. Dr, Amabibi Isobeye
8. Very Rev. David Ama Kalu
9. Rev. Can. T. W. Anyanakaye
10. Rev. Can. Dr. S. T. Akuroseokika
11. Rev. Can. Francis O. Ogidi
12. Very Rev. Dr. Effiong Uye
13. Rev. Awolayeofori Williams
14. Rev. Samuel N. Ogan
and Other Clergy Men.
