It was an emotional and solemn occasion as family, friends, and prominent Nigerians gathered to pay their final respects to Chief (Mrs) Victoria Aniso Ugbodaga, mother of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Orthopaedic Hospital (NOH), Benin City, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga.
The centenarian matriarch, who passed on at the age of 102, was laid to rest in her hometown of Enwan, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, following a funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Enwan.
Tributes poured in from dignitaries across the country, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who, in a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Professor Jake Dan-Azumi, described the late Mrs. Ugbodaga as a loving and devoted mother whose values shaped both her family and community.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, praised her for raising outstanding children, noting that her legacy lives on through her offspring, including Dr. Peter Ugbodaga, a former Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Health.
“She will be remembered for her selflessness, commitment to family, and dedication to societal development,” Akume said.
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in a condolence message, described her as a virtuous woman of uncommon grace—an exemplary mother whose life embodied discipline, compassion, and service to humanity.
Other tributes came from the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who called her a pillar of strength and inspiring community leader, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, who noted that regardless of age, the loss of a mother remains deeply painful.
Former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, described her as a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on her family and community, while the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, prayed for the repose of her soul.
The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, led by its chairman, Professor Emem Bassey, said the ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of the late matriarch. Management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, represented by Mrs. Vera Eno, highlighted the special bond between Dr. Philip Ugbodaga and his late mother.
In a deeply emotional tribute, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga described his mother as a source of unwavering love, protection, and encouragement throughout his life.
“As her last child, I enjoyed the tender care and affection that only a mother can give,” he said. “Until her death, she still saved meat from her meals for me whenever she knew I was coming. We spoke almost daily, and I am grateful to God for the life she lived and the love she gave.”
