19/02/2026
Extended excerpts from the service of songs ceremony of Mama (Lady) Clara Oweikpodor
SERVICE OF SONGS: IN HONOUR OF LADY CLARA UDWAGHANRORO OWEIKPODOR (LSM) NEE ATSENUWA WONIGHAN
Venue: Blessed Tansi Catholic Church, Ugboroke -17th February, 2026.
A native of Benikrukru and Okerenkoko communities in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, the Late Lady Clara Udwaghanroro Oweikpodor LSM (Nee Atsenuwa Wonighan), described as a lover of cultural dance, sports (especially the Izon traditional wrestling) and education, was honoured with a Service of Songs ceremony at the Blessed Tansi Catholic Church, Ugboroke, Effurun, Delta State, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The brief ceremony, held in line with the tradition of the Catholic church, was attended by family members, who were joined by friends and sympathisers of the Late Madam Oweikpodor to honour her memory one last time before they bid her final farewell in her hometown, Benikrukru, on Friday, February 20, 2026.
The Late Madam Oweikpodor, who passed on to glory on the Thursday, November 13, 2025, had her Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) from the College of Education, Abraka; Institute of Education, UNIBEN (1979-82) and her Bachelor of Arts (Education) in History from Delta State University, Abraka (1993). She worked as a Teacher, teaching for over 35 years and retired in 2012, after putting in service at St. Anna's Primary School, Burutu; Elderstown 'B' P/S, Nana College, Warri; Iyashere College, Ubeji; Hussey College, Warri; Dom-Domingos College, Warri; College of Commerce, Warri.
Born into the African Church, she converted to Roman Catholic faith when she married her husband, Sir Victor Biripudigha Oweikpodor in 1980, a union blessed with four children and nine grandchildren. She remained an active member of Blessed Tansi Catholic Church, Ugboroke, and joined the Knight of St. Mulumba (KSM), Bomadi Sub-Council in 2005. Her commitment led to her being the Pioneer Secretary of the Ladies of St. Mulumba (LSM) from 2006-2010, then 2nd vice from 2010-2014.
Socially, she engaged in varieties of community activities such as Assistant Secretary, Benikrukru (1994-97) and Secretary, Benikrukru Women Warri. She was also a member of Association of Contributory Retiree, Dom-Domingos Co-Operative Society, River Road Landlord Association Ugboroke.
A disciplined woman, she lived a peaceful life, striving for perfection and seeking to bring out the best in others. A thrift and efficient at record keeping, she instilled a sense of independence in her children, wards and subordinates, and always full of stories and laughter, leaving behind her a legacy of grace, love and kindness, goodwill and patriotism.
