Cleric Advocates Purpose-Driven Life as Lagos, Naval Community Gather to Honour Dame Aikhomu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George; top naval officers and other dignitaries yesterday gathered at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, to pay glowing tributes to the late Dame Rebecca Aikhomu at a solemn Service of Songs held in her honour.
Dame Aikhomu, widow of the late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu—former Chief of General Staff and Vice President of Nigeria—passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2025, after a brief illness. Her death came just months after she marked her 85th birthday in August.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin. Also in attendance were the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas represented by the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited (ASNDL), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu; retired Major-General Ike Uwachukwu; and the deceased’s son-in-law and Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Nimmyel, among other senior officers, friends and associates.
Children, grandchildren and well-wishers took turns to recount the virtues of the departed matriarch, describing her as a woman of deep faith, compassion and uncommon service, whose influence extended far beyond her family to the wider society.
In his homily, the officiating minister, Reverend Abednego Okpala, urged the bereaved family and mourners to find comfort in God, noting that while life is brief and filled with challenges, its true meaning lies in total submission to the will of God.
Quoting from John 14:6, the cleric reminded the congregation of Christ’s assurance that hearts should not be troubled, stressing that trials including death are an inevitable part of human existence. He also cited Job 14:1 to underscore the transient nature of life.
Reverend Okpala emphasised that the true concern of life should not be death itself, but how one lives before God, adding that joy and peace are found in trusting God amid uncertainty. He identified total submission to God’s will as central to overcoming the vanity of life, warning that speed without direction is dangerous.
According to him, God’s word sanctifies and guides believers, providing clarity and purpose even when human wisdom fails. He further reminded the congregation of the hope of resurrection, noting that everyone would ultimately give account of their lives before God.
The cleric observed that testimonies shared about Dame Aikhomu reflected a life devoted to giving and service, adding that such deeds endure long after death and remain the true legacy of the faithful.
The service concluded with prayers for the family and an altar call, as the minister encouraged all present to dedicate their time, talents and resources to God and to purposeful living, in honour of the values exemplified by the late Dame Rebecca Aikhomu.
