Grief and gratitude filled the air in Delta State as Roland Egede, a Stanbic IBTC AGM, led family members in laying his mother, Dame Mabel Bamidele Egede, to rest after a life defined by service and compassion.
The burial, held on April 10, 2026, in Boju Boju Owa, drew a cross-section of mourners who came to honour a woman remembered for her influence in healthcare and her unwavering commitment to community values.
Dame Egede passed away on October 19, 2025, at the age of 82. Widely known as Ezinne Ezioku—“mother of truth”—she earned respect not only for her professional achievements but also for the principles she lived by.
Her journey began in Osogbo, where she was born on July 5, 1943, to Pa Abel Mokwuye Aleh and Mama Grace Aleh. Those early years shaped the discipline and compassion that would later define her career in nursing.
She rose to become Chief Nursing Officer in Delta State, serving with a reputation for integrity and excellence. Her work left a lasting imprint on the healthcare system, with colleagues and family describing her as a woman who led by example.
Away from her career, she was deeply rooted in her faith and known for her generosity. Her home served as a gathering point for relatives and neighbours, especially during festive periods when she shared food and support without hesitation.
“She was a loving and dedicated woman of God whose kindness, strength, and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her,” the family said, noting that she saw nursing as a calling, not just a profession.
Her dedication to church life was equally visible. Nicknamed “Mama Environmental,” she took personal responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of her place of worship, even arranging care in her absence.
Family members said her strong sense of justice and truth earned her the title Ezinne Ezioku. As they mourn her passing, they also expressed appreciation for the prayers and support received, describing her legacy as one that will continue to inspire generations.
