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Mrs Christiana Eseigbe Aibaengbee, quintessential mother

By Victor Aibaengbee
14 April 2018   |   1:36 am
Mama was born 90 years ago to the family of Pa Eseimuede Ekpenakhina and Mrs Ejemwen Eseimuede and given the name Eseigbe to signify the commitment of the family to the course of philanthropy and doing good to all and sundry.

Mama was born 90 years ago to the family of Pa Eseimuede Ekpenakhina and Mrs Ejemwen Eseimuede and given the name Eseigbe to signify the commitment of the family to the course of philanthropy and doing good to all and sundry. To the family, goodness will always have a rich reward. She was also named Christiana reflecting their ‘new’ faith having resolved to abandon the course of idol worship. This truly laid the foundation that guided mama’s interaction with people through her lifetime.

Although ‘Iye Nekhere’ as she was fondly called did not complete a formal education course, she, however, loved education and therefore spent time to learn how to read through close association with those who were educated. She thereby became fluent in reading in Edo language. She was very close to her Bible and took time to commit verses to memory.

Mama grew up at Obazagbon, a quiet and peaceful village in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, though she spent some years in Benin City having been sent to accompany her eldest sister who was newly married.

She got married to Joshua ‘Ogieni’ Aibaengbee, a man who was known for his hunting prowess. He was a fearless hunter who killed many wild animals hence the nickname ‘Ogieni’ But on the other hand Joshua was also famous for his ‘evangelislic’ commitment in the Anglican church, as he went preaching in all the villages in the local government area. Christiana was always there encouraging him.

Their zeal to know God made them to welcome and entertain Jehovah’s witnesses to their home.Pa Aibaengbee was aware of how God has had a hand in the life of his brother who was the first ‘Christian Witness’ in their family. The seed of ‘truth’ was therefore sown which later resulted to their children becoming Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is not surprising therefore that mama continued to study the Bible and the last place of worship she stepped on was the Kingdom Hall.

Mrs Christiana Eseigbe Aibaengbee died on Friday, February 16, 2018. She is survived by two sons, six grand children, brothers, sisters and cousins However she had many ‘sons’ and ‘daughters’ and ‘grand children’, a larger group, very numerous, who were truly beloved to her. They would miss their ‘IYE NEKHERE’ who would always have a gift for them, no matter how little whenever they visit her. Mama will be sorely missed for her ‘greetings’, gentle spirit, constant commitment to prayer and her readiness to help others. We look forward to the time of resurrection, a faith she exercised.

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