Odu Mourns Green, Urges Family To Cherish Her Legacies

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has condoled with the family of Hon. Toru Ofili over the death of her sister, Hon. Lali Green, describing the deceased as a woman of integrity, love and service whose positive impact would remain indelible.
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She stated this today, when she paid a condolence visit to the Ofili family in Port Harcourt.
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She recalled the deceased as a younger sister and close associate who was actively involved in religious, women and community activities, noting that she was always willing to accept responsibilities and carry them out joyfully.
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According to her, Hon. Lali Green was a woman whose character, honesty, integrity and commitment to others made her a role model, particularly for younger women.
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“She was one of those who would be a great mentor to the young girls. The way she spoke, the way she carried herself and the integrity with which she did everything are qualities that young people can learn from”, Prof Odu said.
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She urged the family, particularly the children of the deceased, to focus on the positive memories and values she left behind rather than allowing grief to overwhelm them.
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Prof. Odu encouraged the family to draw strength from Philippians 4:8, which urges believers to think about things that are true, honourable, just, pure, and lovely and of good report.
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The Deputy Governor said remembering the deceased through the good she did while alive would help the family cope with the pain of her passing.
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“Whenever I look at her pictures, I smile. I do not cry, because while she lived, she lived a good life”, the Deputy Governor said.
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Prof. Odu noted that the true measure of a person’s life was not merely, how long the person lived, but the positive impact made on others and prayed God to comfort the family, preserve the legacy of the deceased through her children and grant her eternal rest.
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She expressed appreciation to God for the opportunity to have known and interacted with the deceased, adding that although she would be greatly missed; her memory would continue to inspire those she left behind.
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She further encouraged the children to uphold the values their mother represented and live lives that would continue to honour her memory.
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Welcoming the Deputy Governor and her entourage, Hon. Toru Ofili expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for finding time despite her busy schedule to commiserate with the family over their loss.
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She expressed delight that Prof. Odu, insisted on seeing the children of her late sister, noting that they were at work in Bonny but she had to ask them to come for Her Excellency’s condolence visit.
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In his response on behalf of the family, the first son of the deceased, Teme Isinibo Jumbo, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor for her condolence visit following the death of their mother.
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He described the Deputy Governor’s visit as a source of strength and consolation, noting that her presence and compassionate words demonstrated genuine concern for the bereaved.
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According to him, the late matriarch was a mother, sister and community leader whose contributions would remain cherished by the people.
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He particularly appreciated Prof. Odu for honouring the memory of their late mother in such a personal and compassionate manner, adding that her prayers had strengthened them to remain courageous in the face of the loss and prayed for God’s protection upon the Deputy Governor and members of her delegation, and for continued peace in Rivers State.
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• Benebo is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor.