The Parish Priest of St Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Popo-Osogbo, Osun State, Rev. Fr. Femi Komolafe, has urged Nigerians, significantly political leaders, to deal with eternity and shun societal vices, warning that extreme attachment to earthly possessions usually undermines the welfare of others.
Komolafe gave the cost over the weekend throughout the funeral mass for Mrs. Felicia Adetola Idowu, mom of Mr. Sylvester Bankole Idowu, the Warri-based Correspondent of THISDAY Newspapers, who was laid to relaxation final Friday.
The cleric mentioned a continuing consciousness of humanity’s eventual return to God would encourage folks to dwell responsibly, train restraint and prioritise the widespread good over private enrichment.
He famous that if folks, particularly these in positions of authority, targeted extra on their final vacation spot after demise, society would witness fewer vices and fewer abuse of energy.
According to him, leaders can be much less inclined to applicable assets meant to enhance folks’s lives in the event that they remained conscious that earthly positions, wealth, and affect had been momentary.
”Our homeland is in heaven, and regardless of how highly effective you assume you’re, you’re created out of mud and dirt you shall return,” the priest mentioned.
Rv. Fr. Komolafe additionally recalled that the deceased’s youngsters had approached him to make preparations for a burial website even earlier than their mom died, describing the event as a sign that the household had begun making ready for her eventual departure.
He mentioned he had visited the aged girl to pray for her, believing that her demise may be imminent, however she lived for a number of extra months.
The priest used the expertise to remind the congregation that regardless of human preparations and expectations, the timing of demise remained in God’s fingers.
He urged the trustworthy to replicate on the uncertainty of life, dwell in accordance with their Christian beliefs and put together for eternity via good conduct and repair to humanity.
The funeral introduced collectively family members, pals, skilled colleagues, outdated schoolmates, associates and well-wishers to honour the late Mrs. Idowu, whose life was remembered for her sacrifices, motherly affection and dedication to elevating her youngsters.
Notable amongst dignitaries on the burial had been veteran journalist and agripreneur, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, in addition to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Eyo Aniete, who’s the commander of the Police Mobile Training College, Ila-Orangun, amongst others.
Members and colleagues of Sylvester Idowu, from the Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), had been additionally represented on the occasion.
The deceased’s youngsters had been visibly emotional throughout the ceremony as they bade farewell to the lady who had remained their supply of affection, care, safety and steerage for 44 years.
For Sylvester Idowu, the loss was significantly painful, given the central position his mom performed in his life following the demise of his father, Pa James Adebayo Idowu.
Speaking throughout an interview, the journalist described the burial as a celebration of life, recalling how his mom assumed accountability for elevating him and his siblings after their father died on the age of 42.
He mentioned his mom’s dedication to the household made her an indispensable supply of consolation and assist, significantly every time he encountered private challenges.
“That motherly love, whenever I have issues, she is the first person I run to. It is a celebration of life because my father died at 44,” he mentioned.
Idowu defined that he would significantly miss his mom’s affection, steerage, prayers, and emotional assist, including that her demise had created a vacuum that might be troublesome to fill.
He urged his siblings and different members of the Idowu household to stay united, dwell responsibly and uphold the values their mom instilled in them.
