Dele Giwa's Mum Buried

The remains of the mother of the late founding Editor- in-Chief of Newswatch Magazine, Madam Elekhia Giwa, were interred yesterday in Ugbekpe in Ekperiland, Etsako Central Local Government area of Edo State.

The burial that was attended by Dele Giwa’s associates evoked memories of the foremost journalist as his mother was buried besides his own grave along Auchi-Ekperi-Agenebode Road.

However, the interment was preceded by a funeral service at the Church of God Mission International, Ugbekpe, Ekperi officiated by Rev. Abraham Ikpotokin.

In his 15-minute homily, Ikpotokin extolled the virtues of Madam Giwa, who passed away at the age of 87.

He said, “Whatever you sow you will reap. Our mother has lived a good life.” Among Dele Giwa’s associates who attended the burial ceremony were Messrs Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed, Nosa Igiebor, Soji Akinrinade, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi and Kayode Soyinka.

Speaking to journalists during the ceremony, Soyinka, who was then the London Bureau Chief of Newswatch when Dele Gowa was assassinated with a parcel bomb on October 19, 1986, said it was an emotional feeling for him to be at Dele Giwa’s mother’s burial, because of his closeness to the late Dele Giwa.

Soyinka said, “When I heard of the date of the burial, I made it a point of duty to come to Ekperi. Soyinka was having breakfast with Giwa in the morning of October 19, 1986 when the killer parcel was delivered, killing Giwa and injuring Soyinka.

Also speaking to journalists at the burial ceremony, the daughter of the late Madam Elekhia Giwa, Mrs. Ronke Abaoba, said she was very close to her mother when she was alive. Aboaba added that her mother lived and died in her house.