Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Faka Jonathan, today gave thanks and praises to the Almighty, whom she said had continued to be faithful and had ensured the successful burial ceremonies of her beloved late mother,Madam Charity Fyneface Oba, (1946 – 2013), who was laid to rest in Ambemebiri, Okrika, Rivers State on November 1st, 2013.
The First Lady gave a heartfelt thanksgiving before a congregation today, 10/11/2013, during the Service at the Aso Villa Chapel, State House, Abuja, where she also read the First Lesson taken from Isaiah 46:3 to 13.
After reading the Lesson, Dame Patience shared her innermost feelings while disclosing that in her position as the First Lady of the nation, a lot was expected of her. She remarked that many individuals were waiting and watching to see how the burial ceremony would go. She therefore offered special thanks to the Almighty for the huge success of the ceremonies and also thanked all Nigerians who attended the obsequies and offered prayers, words of encouragement and support to her and her extended family.
Dame Jonathan was especially grateful to God because everyone who attended her mother’s burial rites arrived in Rivers State safely and returned to their homes safely. She pointed out that the island of Okrika played host to such a huge number of people that she became apprehensive and hoped that the island would not sink. This remark drew huge laughter from the congregation. Speaking further, and again praising God, Dame Jonathan remarked that she was confident that it was the Almighty Himself who fortified the island with divine pillars.
During her remarks, the First Lady became philosophical when she admonished that it was always important to do the will of the Almighty and not that of man. She stressed that
although man can disappoint, the Lord can never fail believers and all those who adhere to his instructions. She promised to always put the Lord first in all her endeavours and constantly sing his praises for His faithfulness.
