Victoria Island in Lagos State and its environ literally stood still when Nigeria’s high and mighty came for the grand funeral of Gold Bridget Oruh, a veteran NTA broadcaster and wife of ex-President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo.
The
entire ambience of the two-day event was solemn and though the Oruh family was
downcast at the news of the demise of their distinguished matriarch, on March
16th, 2022 at the age of 76, the church services showed that they were glad
that, having served meritoriously in the vineyard of the Lord, she was going to
rest in heaven.
The
two-day burial obsequies began with a well-attended Service of Songs, which included
sessions of hymns and prayers on
Thursday, 31st March 2022, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic
Church, Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos the Ministers that
coordinated the proceedings were from Catholic Church led by Rev. Father Julius.
The
following day was for the Funeral Mass on Friday, 1st April 2022, at the
popular, Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Falomo, Lagos by 10am.
In
the course of the event, the Reverend Father and some Bishops spoke glowingly
of the late ‘Aunty Gold’, as she was fondly called. She was described as
faithful,
hardworking, caring, dutiful, intelligent, soft-spoken, talented,resilient and passionate about God.
LIVE
YOUR LIFE IN A GOOD WAY SO THAT PREACHERS DON’T NEED TO LIE WHEN YOU ARE GONE
The
officiating Reverend at the Funeral Mass welcomed guests present at the event
and wished everyone, a Happy New Month. He continued with the song, IT IS WELL
WITH MY SOUL. He explained how he felt when he got the news of the passing of
the deceased. He explained how Aunty Gold was one of the people that welcomed
him in the Falomo Branch when he was newly transferred on 29th September 2021.
He continued by saying, ‘live your life in such a way that the Preacher will
not need to lie when you are no more. Aunty Gold’s life is worth living, she
lived a good life and I implore her children to continue with the life their
mother has left behind. A few days to her demise, she visited my office and spoke
for over an hour, discussing NTA Chapel.
GOLD
ORUH BUILT A CHAPEL IN NTA VICTORIA ISLAND
As
part of the revelation of the good deeds of late Gold Oruh, the Officiating
Reverend continued in his Sermon.
‘She
told me what she wanted to do and
contribute to the Chapel. For those that don’t know, she built a chapel in NTA
Victoria Island, just to make sure everyone has a chance to commune with God at any time of the day, every day. After a successful conversation with me, she said
thank God l find peace. She saw death coming but, she did not know when. Aunty
Gold touched lives, I am proud to say she touched my life.
The
title of this sermon is DEATH, unfortunately, we must all die, death is
inevitable, it is a necessary condition that all must go through, no wonder
Yoruba say, 'Aiye lo ja, Orun ni le (Life is market, heaven is home).
Aunty
Gold worked with NTA Nigeria and she rose through the ranks in NTA and retired
as National Director of News in 2006.
She worked with the likes of Abike Dabiri, Ola Alakija, Memuna, Aina, and Julie Coker to mention but a few.
VOTE
OF THANKS
The
late Madam Gold Oruh was an accomplished media big girl and lots of stories
went on about her family life but no one can deny the huge success she had in
raising three children, now a very successful daughter and two sons. She was
able to keep her family life and association with the father of her children,
ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as private as possible. Despite years in the
media, she hardly sought unnecessary attention and as listed in the Programme,
Dare, Funke and Nathan are all accomplished individuals in their own right.
It
was the only daughter of late Gold Oruh, Funke Obasanjo that delivered the vote
of thanks in which she thanked everyone present and spoke on behalf of her
brothers and family. She said, she knew the death was sudden, all she could say about her mum is that she always had people in mind and she loved people. And
may her soul rest in peace. She concluded by thanking everyone that attended
the Mass.
There
was Holy Communion service, thanksgiving and her pristine white and silver
casket was taken outside the Church to the Graveside as the Choir,
Saxophonist, Ministers, family and well-wishers departed the church in the at
times tearful funeral procession.
The
event was well attended by her three children Dare Obasanjo, Funke Obasanjo,
Nathan Obasanjo, family, friends, Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria, friends
and NTA staff.
.-
Titilope Oshunlalu
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