AgborTabi’s late mother gets deserving farewell

Mamfe, chief town of Manyu Division, has hardly seen such an influx of persons for a funeral like what was witnessed last Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September.

Top statesmen and government officials in the likes of Jean Nkuete, Secretary General of the CPDM Central Committee, General James Tataw, Minister Fuh Callistus Gentry, a good number of Senators, Members of Parliament, diplomats, both past and present, directors, high level traditional rulers, mayors from all over the country and the CERAC ladies all braved the road and the heavy rains to Mamfe.

The event was the funeral or home coming of a woman described by many as a role model of the Manyu womanhood.

The late Mama Sarah Ako Agbor Tabi lived from 1934 to 2014 and happens to be the mother of Professor Peter Agbor Tabi and five other children of reputable personalities.

Her final journey to the great beyond started on Friday February 26 when her corpse was coffined at the district hospital. There was an all-night vigil at the family residence situated behind the state counsel’s office.

On Saturday September 27, the mortal remains of Mama Sarah Ako Agbor Tabi were moved to the Presbyterian Church Mamfe Town Congregation for a funeral service.

The service was officiated by Rev Akontai Fidelis, Rev Monoke Augustine, Rev Tarh Mourice, Rev Kima Randolf and Rev Ndumbi Francis. Drawing inspiration from Job 19:25-27, I John 4:13-18 and I Thessalonians 5:16-18, the preacher urged everyone to learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances.

“Be joyful always, pray at all times and be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants in your life in union with Christ Jesus”. The Man of God told the congregation.

He added Mama Sarah was a very God fearing woman and her passing away is one that needs thanksgiving.

“If we live, we belong to the Lord, if we die we belong to the Lord ; so whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord; Mama Sarah belongs to the Lord, she has played her role on earth as a Christian, today we are celebrating her life, we are not mourning her” he said.

Enter Agbor Tabi When Minister Agbor Tabi Took the floor, he said though he is not the eldest son of the family, for technical reasons, the family had mandated him to say a word of thanks to all those who supported their mother in one way or the other.

He advised that all what people owe their parents is a better life and treatment especially at old age though old people sometimes like to be very independent.

“I find it sometimes difficult to talk to you about my mother, because many of you here are my mother’s children in one way or the other”, Minister Agbor Tabi said.

He thanked those who constantly brought Holy Communion to her mother in the house when she was sick. “Mama was a very devoted Christian with a lot of hope and energy to serve God; we are very grateful that God gave Mama that kind of energy” He said.

Dr. Ako Speaks The eldest son, Professor David Ako in his eulogysaid in their family they always respect the will of those who are dead because they always look upon them for their guidance.

He said their mother had a lot of pride for the family and kept on insisting on upholding the name of the family and that she was that mother everyone would have loved to have.

Sally’s eulogy Sally Gentry, first granddaughter of Mama Sarah seems to be one of the closest at heart of the fallen queen. In her eulogy she said “Big Mami, you were sick for years and I just used to think about it but it never really dawned on me that one day you will leave us.

I knew your departure will be this painful. You were always the one we could all lean on. You were the strength of the family. It’s really hard on me. My spirit is crushed.

As tears roll down my eyes, I have a strong faith and I know you are in a better place in heaven with a good view telling God “I need to keep an eye on a few on earth” I feel a strong void. You have been a very big part of my life and you will truly be missed.

I know you will forever live in our hearts and minds. I treasure all our memories together. Rest in peace.”

Mama Sarah’s mortal remains were finally laid to rest at the family residence behind the Mamfe State Counsels Chambers in the afternoon of Saturday September 27 according to her wish.

Brief profile Mama Sarah Ako Agbor Tabi was born around 1934 and got married to Mr. Samuel Agbor Tabi and was blessed with eight children; David, Peter, Agnes, Bessem, Muller, Ma Nso and a set of twins which she unfortunately lost.

She was an active and indefatigable communicant of PC Mamfe, a devoted member of the CWF, a staunch CPDM militant, patron, resource person of several civic and social groups.

She had a passion for education and educated her children in some of the finest schools in Cameroon and abroad. She is survived by six children, seven grandchildren, Daughters in-law, Sons in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, other siblings and friends.