The Vicar, St. Peters Anglican Church, Uhonmora, Ora, Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Ven. Esirane Godswill Tafita has described the Late Emmanuel Ozemevboyare Aizebioje-Coker as a General who left a legacy for the children, the Church and the Community and he commended the children for celebrating their father 33 years after his demise.
Speaking during the Tomb Unveiling /Memorial Ceremony by the children at Uhonmora Ora during the weekend, Archdeacon Tafita commended the children for keeping the memory of their father alive, stressing that it is not the length of days lived on earth that matters, but what was put in to life.
According to him, if Late Emmanuel O.E Coker did not do what was right and needful, he would not be celebrated by his children and he urged parents to leave legacies for their children and when they are gone they will be celebrated.
While thanking the family for remembering the legacy of their father who through hard work, resilience, and dedication rose through the ranks to retire as an Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1988, Ven. Tafita noted that he lived a fulfilled life.
It was tributes galore from close relations , children and friends of the family who poured encomiums on their late father, popularly called “Baba” and lots of food and drinks in merriment with the Uhonmora, Ora Community.
In the words of the surviving brother, a retired Assistant Director in the Ministry of Information, Delta State, Rev. John Coker of the Church of God Mission, Uhonmora, the Late Emmanuel O.E Coker also known as Ozoya, was a fulfilled and amiable man that sowed seeds that has grown into prosperity.
According to him, ” his late brother labored for every one around him to grow but destiny did not allow him to reap all that he planted. But today his dream for the family is blossoming as the family is moving forward as he intended in abundance of blessings and prosperity.
The eldest son, Manix Ideye Aizebioje-Coker stated that his late father’s legacy is one of love, joy and unwavering commitment to helping others and he taught the children the value of kindness, the importance of integrity and the power of a joyful heart.
“As a dedicated Police Officer, you exemplified the true spirit of service and sacrifice. Your commitment to protecting and serving our community, state and nation is unwavering. His life was a shining example of how to live fully and generously, always with a focus on the well being of those around him,”
“As we remember our beloved father today, we also celebrate the wonderful person he was and the profound impact he had on our lives. His spirit will continue to guide us, his lessons will forever resonate in our hearts, and his love will be with us always,” he added.
The eldest daughter, Elder and Deaconess A.J Idowu stated that, ” we remember you not because you have gone to rest in the bosom of God, but because we still feel your presence through all the lessons, advice, encouragement, education and others that you impacted unto us before your departure. With all these it seems like yesterday even though is 33 years now.
In his tribute, Prof. Aizebioje- Coker Anthony Aigbogun described his father as his rock, mentor, and hero and he noted that, ” Your guidance, support and unwavering belief in me have shaped me into the person I am today. I did aspire and promised to make you proud; hopefully I believe you are proud today. I shall continue your legacy of love and compassion to all and sundry at all times because it reminds me of you.”
Other children, Pastor Oruame Aizebioje -Coker, Mrs Ohonmoime Aitonje, Mr. Daniel Ohireme Aizebioje-Coker, Vivian Oloaigbe Omoruan, Ohios and Queenie Manix Coker,, a daughter in-law described Baba as a deeply loved father and a treasured friend.
According to Queenie Manix Coker, ” Baba was the father in-law every woman desires, full of wisdom and boundless love. As a wonderful and kind Police Officer, you earned everyone’s respect and admiration.”
