By Ovie Okpare
The remains of Mrs. Tuwere Nelly Utuama, wife of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN), have been interred at the husband hometown of Otughievwen in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
Mrs. Utuama, 65, died earlier this year after a brief illness in Warri. She hails from Otukutu in Ughievwen Kingdom, Ughelli South LGA of the state.
Her husband, Prof. Utuama, was former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s deputy between 2007 to 2015.
Utuama was also a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under the Chief James Ibori’s administration between 1999 to 2007.
A one-week burial rites for the deceased climaxed on Thursday with a funeral mass at the St Andrew’s Catholic Church, Otu-Jeremi, which was attended by political gladiators across the state.
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Among dignitaries at the church service were Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and wife, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and wife, Chief James Ibori, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Senator James Manager, wife of the President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Mrs Taiga, and host of others.
Speaking at the church service, Governor Okowa, described the death of Mrs. Utuama as shocking and a big loss to the Utuama’s family and the state as a whole.
The governor said the deceased was a committed Christian who spent her time serving God and also contributing to the development of her communities and the state through her support to her husband both as deputy governor and commissioner.
He commiserated with the deceased’s husband, Prof Utuama, her children and the people of Otukutu community for the loss, saying that it is only God that can fill the vacuum created by her passage.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I again condole with the family of Professor Amos Utuama on the demise of his wife, Dr Tuwere Nelly Utuama.
“When we heard about her death, it was very painful to us because she was very close to God and I had seen the family committed to building for God.
“I feel very fulfilled that she put her faith to practice because Prof. Utuama couldn’t have done all he did for the church and humanity without the assistance of his beloved wife”, Okowa said.
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Governor Okowa, however, assured that his administration will support and fulfil the deceased’s development desire for her people in Otokutu community which she was passionate about until her death.
Earlier, eldest child of the deceased, Mrs Fejiro Utuama Smooth, described her late mum as a kind and trustworthy mother, wife and sister, whom, she said was committed to God’s work.
In his homily, Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev (Dr) Michael Elue, urged Christians to work for God when they still have the opportunity as late Mrs Utuama worked for the growth and development of the church.
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While condoling with the deceased’s family, Bisho Elue, said the hope of the resurrection morning promised by Jesus Christ as be guiding principle of every Christian in every assigned duty on earth.
According to him, late Mrs. Utuama was a good woman and a true Christian who spent her time while alive actively involved in God’s works especially in the famous Catholic Women Organisation (CWO).
The burial ceremony was also attended by the State PDP Chairman, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso; Secretary to the Delta State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah; Member Representing Ughelli South at the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Reuben Izeze; Prof. GG Darah, Hon. Peter Mrakpor, Comrade Nelson Egware, Barr. David Ekuetafia and others.
