By Aisha Audu
It was a solemn and emotional moment in the ancient city of Idah as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to pay their last respects to late Mr.Austin Ibrahim,who died at 60.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief but rich in tributes as mourners bade a final and graceful farewell to the former public servant.
Mr. Austin Ibrahim, who departed this life after a brief illness, was born on July 29, 1967, to the family of Late Mr. Adeh Ibrahim Emakoji.
His professional journey began as a banker with Union Bank, before transitioning into public service, where he faithfully served the Federal Government.
He worked with the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), which later became the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and subsequently the Abuja Distribution Company (AEDC).
In a sermon during the funeral service, Pastor Igono, charged Christians to always live godly lives so as to make heaven.
The clergy whose message was titled “What will people say about you when you are gone?”, emphasised the importance of living a Christ-like life, citing the late Mr. Ibrahim as an example of one who lived a godly life.
“People’s testimony concerning Mr. Ibrahim shows that he has lived a godly life while he was alive,” Pst Igono said.
The congregation was enjoined to forsake sin and strive for righteousness as death does not give a date.
Pastor Igono then praised God for giving the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, noting that Mr. Ibrahim, though born into a Muslim family, loved the Lord deeply and was passionate about the work of God after giving his life to Christ.
Meanwhile, the Service of Songs earlier held at his Lokoja residents was marked by hymns, scripture reading, and moments of reflection as family members, clergymen, friends and associates celebrated his life and legacies.
Tributes poured in from colleagues, friends and family members, who described him as humble , dedicated, a lovely husband, a role model, a man of great character, kind and compassionate.
Special prayers were equally offered for comfort for the Ibrahim family especially for divine presence and support for the wife and children of the deceased as they navigate through this painful moment.
Mr. Austin Ibrahim’s union with his wife, Deaconess Faith Ibrahim, was built on love, faith, and mutual understanding, and they were blessed with children and grandchildren.
The family and friends of Mr. Austin Ibrahim remember a kind-hearted man who touched many lives. His memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.
As the community bids farewell to a dedicated servant, his legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire generations.
