Sweet is the memory of the righteous. As the Holy Bible also says, the memory of the righteous is blessed. This scripture was fulfilled on Saturday, March 23, 2024, as Professor Aina Olubukola Adeogun, a Professor of Aquatic Toxicology, at the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, and her siblings pulled the world together for a memorial service of her late mother.

The mother of the Nigerian scientist, zoologist and University don, Late Mrs Taiwo Abike Adeogun, who died in February 2014, is being celebrated ten years later.

Family, friends, and well-wishers all gathered for the 10-year memorial service held at The Cathedral of Sacred Cherubim & Seraphim Headquarters Abule Oloni, Lantoro Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The beautiful old hymns, I have found a friend in Jesus, He is everything to me and Jerusalem on high, rendered in Yoruba language did not only lead the congregation to prayers, but also gave an emotional spice to the service.

In his sermon, Elder Ap (Dr.) Bunmi Fasola (DMIC), who argued that death is not the end of everything for the believer, told the congregation that there is more after death which is to inherit the Kingdom of God. Quoting many passages of scriptures to explain his position, the preacher urged the congregation to continually do the will of God. Eulogising the deceased, Elder Fasola said that “Mama Biodun” as she was fondly addressed, had many godly virtues which included strong faith in God, sacrificial life, great knowledge of God, among others. These virtues, according to him, are worthy of emulation; emphasizing that they are necessities of inheriting the kingdom of God. He therefore, urged the children of the deceased to build on the godly legacies laid by their mother.

The children of the Late Mother in Israel donated executive chairs to the Ayaba Esther group, painted the church in honour of their mother, and also gave themselves to dancing and special thanksgiving to God at the service.

The service had in attendance, Christian clerics from different church denominations, who led the congregation to the presence of God; guests and members of the C&S church. Church Leaders of the C&S church committed the children and family of the deceased to the hands of the Lord, as the choir led the recession with hymnals that closed the service.

Sessions of photographs ensued, after which the children of the deceased led by Mr Abiodun Adeogun visited the gravesite of their beloved mother.

The first son of the deceased, Mr Abiodun Adeogun, still lives in appreciation of her days as a great mother, grand-mother and great grandmother. “No day goes by that I do not relive the sacrifices you made for me, the love, the pains and the gains,” he said.

In her tribute to her mother, Professor Adeogun described her as kindness personified. In her words, “I really thank you for how you raised me, I really thank you for the strength to navigate life, to hold my head above all, to find peace in all situations.” She concluded that they were fulfilling that which their mother desired two years before her demise.

Her second son, Mr Olanrewaju Adeogun penned an emotional tribute with the words “Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal……. Love leaves a memory that no one can steal”.

Her daughter in law, Mrs Adebisi Adeogun in her words described Mama Abike Adeogun as a loving mother who made her feel so welcome and treated her as a daughter who called her “Bisi Mama or Iya Ayobami”. She recounts many beautiful and pleasant memories with Mama and the unconditional love Mama had for her and her children. She concluded her tribute by addressing her as “My fashionista Mama!” who encouraged her with kind words that allayed her fears.

Mama’s family (Olatubosuns, Ogunleyes, Adenijis, Ogunremis), In-laws (Adeoguns, Olukoyas), grand-children, relatives and friends also expressed their tributes to the “mother with grace.” Till her transition into glory in 2014, Madam Biodun was said to be reconciling families and mending broken relationships. Her life well-spent and lived continues to exemplify godliness, generosity, and love.

Guests were treated to a warm reception with thrilling musical performance at Valley View Auditorium, Government House, Oke Igbein, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

At the event were eminent personalities, important dignitaries, and political figures. Among them are, a Professor of African History, Peace and Conflict Studies at the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert and his wife, Dr. Olawale Albert; Dean of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olufunke Ola-Davies.