by Fatai Abiodun
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the former Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero; the former corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi in the company of other top military and civilian dignitaries, on Thursday 25 July 2024 attended the funeral service conducted for Late Mrs Deborah Ezenwanyi Alade (Nee Onwukwe ) the wife of Retired Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade (Rtd).
Late Deaconess (Mrs) Deborah Ezenwanyi Alade.
The EquityNews gathered that the funeral service was held at the RCCG, Resurrection Parish, 1 Resurrection Drive, 1st Gate Jakande Estate, Km 15, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos and the deceased was buried at RCCG Memorial Garden, Redemption camp, Lagos – Ibadan Express Way.
Deborah, 63, who died on May 31st 2024 in the United States of America was also an active member of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) and contributed modestly to the development of the Association. Debbie as fondly called was the Coordinator and Director of NOWA Lagos Chapter in 2014 and the Coordinator of the Defence and Police Wives Association (DEPOWA) National Defence College Chapter from 2015 to 2017. Deborah was also a meritorious WAEC Examiner and Education Inspector at various times in her career.
During her lifetime, faith was the cornerstone of Debbie’s life. Debbie fully committed her life to Jesus and actively served in various capacities at the Redeemed Christian Church of God. She was involved in media and publishing, house fellowships, women’s groups, and prayer groups.
Over the last decade, Debbie spoke of reaching a new level in her walk with Jesus where all she wanted was the unadulterated substance of God where He was the Director of her life. She recommitted to finding and fulfilling her purpose in God, living as an example of God’s mercy and grace for everyone around her to see. Debbie fought to live and to truly serve God. She was dogged in her faith, determined to pour herself out fully in service to others.
In the last few years of her life, Debbie lived in New York, USA, where she faithfully attended the Times Square Church in the Theater District of Manhattan. She was deeply involved in the church community, serving on the facilities crew, participating in prayer lines, and volunteering in various capacities. Debbie also formed a Christian Book Club with hundreds of members, sharing God’s word and Christian books. Mrs Alade remained a devoted church worker until her passing. Throughout this time, her love for Jesus and others was evident, and she held on to her faith until her last breath.
Debbie was deeply connected to her family. and siblings, including Mrs Pauline C. Alozie, Mrs. Good E. Imoh, Ms Faith N. Onwukwe, Mrs. Gloria W. Otosi, Arc. Solomon Onwukwe and Dr. Victor Onwukie. She is survived by her husband Rear Admiral Samuel Alade Rtd, Damilola daughter, Sanmi Son, Mrs Akudo Babs-Babata daughter and Nisun daughter.
Pic:.Admiral Alade Rtd with the Rwanda Ambassador to Nigeria
Others in attendance include notable traditional ruler, The Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade ably represented by Prince Michael Adeyeye; Military Generals, Diplomats and Politicians including Amb Bazivamo Christophe (High Commissioner of Republic of Rwanda in Nigeria), Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha, Rear Admiral Niyi Osinowo, Rear Admiral Patrick Agholor, Rear Admiral Stanley Ogoigbe, Rear Admiral Chris Ezekobe, Rear Admiral Babs Egbedina, Rear Admiral Mu’azu Salami, Maj Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe, Maj Gen Dayo Olukoju, Maj Gen Akinjobi, Brig Gen A Ahmad, Rear Admiral OB Daji, Rear Admiral Eno, Rear Admiral LON Iwuoha, Maj Gen Rashid Yusuf, Brig Gen Bunmi Akintola, Commodore Bola Teidi, Navy Capt George Alily, representatives of President NOWA, many other military officers, captains of Industries, APC chieftains, Dr Jerry Nwohu, Dr Abdukareem, Princess Olubumi Osadahun, Prince Akin Falodun, Chief Ayo Ajayi, Mr Akin Oyebode (Hon Commissioner for Finance Ekiti State), Mr Ismail Ejoor, Chief Tuyi Ehindero, Prof Niyi Adewumi, friends, families and well-wishers.
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu was ably represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr Cliff Ogbede.
We pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for God to give the entire family of Alade the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Amen.
