• She was a peace maker, bridge builder -Priest
By Ogalla Daniel
The remains of Mrs. Rose Titi Obaje, the mother of the News Editor of The Graphic Newspaper, Mrs. Josephine Ali, were interred at her country home, Ochi-Ofago, Ankpa Local Government Area on Friday, 13th February ,2026 amidst eulogies.
The people of the sleepy town of Ochi-Ofago, woke up to witness the grand exit of Mrs. Rose Obaje as the Catholic and nursing communities, family, neighbours , childhood friends and well wishers turned out in honour of the deceased.
The well-attended three day funeral ceremony commenced with a wake on Wednesday,11th February ,2026 at her Lokongoma phase 1, residents.
The event caused significant traffic congestion around the venue and it’s adjoining streets as family and friends trooped out to pay their last respects to the deceased nurse and commitment member of the Catholic community.
In his admonition at the wake, Catechist Peter Echiye of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Lokogoma, charged mourners to remain steadfast in the Lord and live righteous lives.
He reminded the faithful of the need to dwell in the presence of God and turn away from sin.
Catechist Echiye described the path of the Lord as peaceful and filled with joy, noting that true happiness can only be found in God’s house when believers commit themselves to living according to His will.
“The way of the Lord is peaceful, and there is joy in the house of God if only we come to Him and keep away from all forms of sin in our lives,” he said.
The Catechist compared the world to a “marketplace” where people come together to buy ,sell and depart home , stressing that the earthly life is temporary and that everyone will one day return to God.
“This place is like a market where we all come to trade. One day, we shall return to our Maker. As we gather here today to honour Lady Rose Titi Obaje, we must remind ourselves of our own activities in this world because one day, we too shall leave,” he added.
Catechist Echiye urged mourners to reflect on their lives, emphasising that while individuals may face suffering on earth, they should strive not to suffer in eternity.
“As individuals, we may suffer in this world, but let us do our best not to suffer in heaven. At the end of our lives, what will people remember us for; the pains we caused or the joy we gave?” he asked.
He further admonished the congregation to examine themselves regularly, noting that no one knows the day or hour death will come.
Family members, friends, and well-wishers who gave tributes at the event, described late Lady Rose Titi Obaje as a devoted Christian and community woman whose life impacted many positively.
Prayers and hymns were offered for the peaceful repose of her soul, as sympathisers consoled the bereaved family and encouraged them to remain strong in faith during the period of mourning.
Meanwhile,the day before she was buried, a Requiem Mass was held in her honour at St. Francis Catholic Church, Lokongoma , Lokoja.
Expectedly, it attracted people from all walks of life. It was a day the entire Lokoja Catholic Community came out in their numbers to identify with one of their own.
The Catholic Bishop of Lokoja Diocese, Most Rev. Martin Dada Abejide Olorunmolu, led a delegation of other clergymen to the funeral mass
In his homily, Rev. (Dr.) Kunle James Dukiya, described the deceased as a peace maker , bridge builder, a devoted mother, compassionate nurse and beloved parishioner who was consistently generous, kind and supportive of the church and her ministers.
The cleric enjoined the crowd to always be at peace with all men, build bridges and be light to the world in line with the scriptures.
Revd. Fr. Dukiya, while reflecting on the life and last moments of the deceased, encouraged Christians and by extension Nigerians, across the country to act as light to the world, bridge builders and peacemakers ; promoting harmony, love, and unity to foster national development and stability.
He further emphasised the need to show love to one another in demonstration of the depth of love exhibited by Jesus Christ.
A Vigil Mass/ Wake was held in her hometown of Ochi-Ofago in Ankpa Local Government Area before her remains were were committed to mother earth at her residence.
A committed Catholic, Lady Rose Titi Obaje, was a Lady Knight of St. Mulumba (LSM), and rose to the rank of 4th Degree and also the President of the Lady Knights.
She also served as President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), President of St. Mary’s Society, and President of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.
As CWO President, she worked tirelessly with the late Bishop Joseph Sunday Ajomo, to acquire the present site of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Lokongoma.
She was also a Matron to the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) from the Parish to the Provincial level, as well as many other societies.
In addition, she was a one-time President of the Ogugu Development Union; a one-time President of the Ogugu Daughters Association, a member of the Ogugu Ojoko Association and a member of the Ikem Development Union
The late Mrs. Rose Titi Obaje (LSM) is survived by her beloved husband, Mr. Joseph Yusuf Obaje (KSM), her six daughters, six sons-in-law and thirteen grandchildren.
She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, and a wide circle of friends and loved ones.
