By Mary Fatile
The widow of the former Chief of General Staff (CGS), late Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, late Dame Rebecca Ehovbayi Aikhomu (nee Madojemu), has been eulogized by relations, friends and in-laws as a woman that lived an exemplary life of service to humanity and in the service of God.
The tributes were paid to her during a Commendation Holy Communion Service held in her honour at the Cathedral Church of the Pentecost, Festac Town, Lagos
Describing her as a woman that understood that leadership is not only a privilege, but a responsibility, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the late Dame Aikhomu lived a life that bears testimony to patience, humility, selfless service, and generosity, that is deeply needed in the society.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Dame Aikhomu’s life was full of remarkable journey “marked by faith, dignity, and enduring service.”
He explained that her generosity, influence and care were not limited to her family but exuded unfathomable influences that resonated in the church and in her community.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that beyond her family, her influence has been felt in the church, in the community life, and in the legacies she has set for younger generations, especially women, who look to her story as proof that character, consistency, and faith are the virtues and evidence of a godly life.
In a sermon entitled “Salvation: How do I know that I am Safe” by the Rt. Reverend Ebenezer Ajayi Adewole of Cathedral Church of the Pentecost, Festac Town, Lagos, Diocese of Lagos Southwest, (Anglican Communion), noted that human beings have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.
The cleric therefore called on everyone, including the children of the deceased, to recognize that the best of human intentions cannot satisfy God, and urged them to live a life of service to God and humanity.
The Right Reverend Adewole pointed out that the only weapon humans have for salvation is to ‘confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour,’ stressing that doing so brings a clean break from the past.
He eulogized the late Princess Aikhomu, noting that she lived a life worthy of emulation.
On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, an Admiral Superintendent of the Navy, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, stated that the Nigerian Navy would greatly miss Dame Aikhomu for her wise counsel, deep knowledge of Navy history, and the warm guidance she provided to past and present Presidents of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association.
Speaking about her mother’s legacy, the deceased’s eldest daughter, Susan described her as a caring mother and a woman of estimable value.
She added that she would deeply miss her mother’s care, the discipline she instilled in the children, and her enduring love and passion for the family.
The commendation service had the creme de la creme of the society including both serving and retired service Chiefs, Commander, NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Afolayan, captains of industry and business moguls.
Aged 85, she is survived by children, great grand children and in-laws.
The remains of the late Dame Aikhomu, who retired as a Captain in the Nigerian Army were later committed to mother earth in Esan, Edo state,
Edited by Olaolu Fawole
