By Owho Warri
Emotions and heartfelt tributes filled the atmosphere at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Glory Zone, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, as Pastor Ogoro Otuno-Akpogbake Sunday commemorated the 10th remembrance anniversary of his late wife, Mrs. Oghale Ogoro.
The memorial service drew family members, friends, church leaders and well-wishers from different walks of life, together to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late Mrs. Ogoro, described by many as a virtuous, compassionate and God-fearing woman.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Ogoro said his late wife played a pivotal role in shaping his life and ministry, describing her as humble, caring, loving and devoted to both God and humanity.
According to him, many of the achievements he has recorded in life were made possible through her unwavering support and sacrifices.
"She made me what I am today. Despite my shortcomings, she stood by me, managed our family and raised our children with love and wisdom. Though she is no longer with us physically, she lives on through the lives she touched and the legacy she left behind," he said.
Pastor Ogoro recalled that while he served as Parish Pastor in Ekreravwe Community, Delta State, his wife devoted more than half of her salary to sponsoring the education of youths and assisting widows, orphans and other vulnerable persons within the church and the community.
He announced plans to establish an educational foundation in her honour to sustain her passion for supporting the less privileged through education.
He also expressed gratitude to God for blessing his children with spouses who possess qualities similar to those of their late mother, saying it had always been his prayer that they would marry women of her character.
He urged everyone present to emulate the exemplary life she lived.
Several speakers who paid glowing tributes, including Deaconess Patience Esebunefe, Mrs. Onome Ogoro, Mrs. Elolor Egedegbe and Pastor Henry Adimula, described the late Mrs. Oghale Ogoro as kind-hearted, generous, loving and deeply committed to the service of God and humanity.
Delivering the sermon, the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG House of Glory Zone, Pastor Henry Adimula, said physical death is not the end of life for believers, stressing that eternal life awaits those who remain faithful to God.
He noted that although Mrs. Ogoro passed away 10 years ago, her death marked the beginning of eternal life in Christ.
"Her death was not the end of the story. There is hope in Christ, and we shall meet her again. She served God faithfully to the end and entered eternal glory. That is the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ," he said.
The cleric who quoted many portions of the scriptures including 1st Corinthians 15: 20 to buttress his sermon, reminded worshippers that no one lives forever and urged them to live lives worthy of God's kingdom.
"We must not live in a way that will destroy our eternity. If you were called today, are you ready to meet your Maker?" he asked, urging those who had not surrendered their lives to Christ to do so while the opportunity remained.
Present at the occasion are: Regional Evangelist, Pastor Paul Tomoloju, Wife of Pastor-in-Charge of Vision 2032, Pastor(Mrs) Opara Adline, House of Glory Parish Cleric, Deacon Omoyeme Moses,Chidi Dum-Igbonekwu(H.O.G), Pastor Ojo Adeboye, Michael Ejobeh, among others.
The memorial service featured special prayers for the Ogoro family, thanksgiving, praise and worship, as well as the presentation and dedication of an award to the church in memory of the late Mrs. Oghale Ogoro. The event ended with joyful songs and dances celebrating a life of faith, service and lasting impact.