By Ali Atabor
As we prepare to bid our final farewell to our illustrious son, brother, and friend, the late Mr. JSA Idakwo, it’s pertinent to highlight some interesting happenings in our dear community (Igalamela). I have lived in the community for over four decades, although part of my growing up was outside Igalamela. I have watched burials take place in different parts of the community, both for the high and low. Some have had impressive attendance from within and outside, while others have been buried without much fanfare, probably due to class differences or relationships with community members or one’s conduct before death.
As a fact, most burial responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the families of the bereaved, where it becomes difficult to raise funds from immediate family members to undertake the task of a befitting funeral rite, your guess is good as mine. However, in recent times, there’s a new dimension. A strong spirit of brotherhood, uncommon bond, empathy, affection, and love envelops the air while reacting to the passing of our community’s best.
Only recently, when the community lost one of its renowned academics and scholars of repute, Professor Nuhu George Obaje, the elites and other categories of people in the community not only mourned but also ensured that the renowned Professor of Geology received a burial rite befitting his status. This was done without consideration to religious, political leanings, and other mundane dispositions.
Again, in less than 72 hours from now, Igalamela Community will gather not in ecstasy but to begin activities for the burial of a personality considered a moving encyclopedia of Igalamela history, the late Mr. JSA Idakwo. His sound knowledge of Igalamela’s history endeared him to many, just like his genuine commitment and dedication to serving his community in whatever capacity was unwavering. His quest for greater service to the community earned him the highest position of the apex socio-cultural body, President of Igalamela Community Development Association (ICDA).
Friends and associates of the deceased rose to the occasion. Through the welfare support established, funds have already been raised through contributions from good-spirited individuals to aid the burial of JSA Idakwo. This is heartwarming and cheering news, especially given the unnecessary acrimony and self-induced conflicts that have torn communities apart lately.
There’s something unique and worthy of emulation by other communities here. This is the best way to go, if for nothing else, the present younger generation would have learned a very profound lesson that there’s always a need for communal efforts to give a befitting burial to those who have taken the name of the community to the global stage, national, and local levels.
It’s apt to applaud our sons who came up with this novel and laudable initiative, as well as those who drove its success. Your Excellency, Professor Stephen Ikani Ocheni, Your Excellency, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, Hon. (Barrister) Cosmas Atabor, Rt. Hon. Ismail Ina Hussain, Prince Sunday Inah (Karomsi Hotel, Lokoja), Sir MM Ocheni, and Prince Mamud Yusuf Okpanachi Iyogbo are specially recognized for their invaluable roles.
Though not an exhaustive list, these mentioned personalities were outstanding in the task thus far. To our late brother, Mr. JSA Idakwo, who will be interred on Friday, December 20, 2024, at his residence in Idah, it’s my fervent prayer that his gentle soul finds comfort with his Maker.
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