By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Late PRINCESS Winifred Iyabode Kuforiji, a Devoted Christian Leader and a committed member of the Methodist Church Nigeria, has been laid to rest, with her children, grandchildren, family members, church leaders and other dignitaries from all walks of life paying their last respects with glowing tribute.

At the funeral service held at Holy Trinity Methodist Church, Itesi, Abeokuta, Ogun State on friday , clerics and family members described the late Egba Community Christian leader as a peaceful, prayerful and compassionate woman whose commitment to God and service to humanity left lasting impressions on those who encountered her.

In his sermon at the service, the Most Rev. Luke Odubanjo, who read from Psalm 90, emphasised the importance of serving God faithfully, describing the late Princess Winifred Iyabode Kuforiji as a worthy servant of God who demonstrated patience and dedication to the Christian faith throughout her lifetime.

He described Mama as one of the most patient persons, urging church members not to be nominal Christians but to embrace genuine Christian life and demonstrate their faith through service to God and humanity.

Also speaking, the deceased’s first daughter, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ogunsola, described her mother as a gentle, peaceful and prayerful woman who loved God and was always committed to the activities of the church.

According to her, the late Mama was never reluctant to support the church, whether financially or through active participation in its activities, adding that her mother’s greatest legacy was her unwavering prayer life.

“One thing I will miss most in our great mum is her prayers. She prayed day and night for us and everybody around her. Whenever anything happened, her usual response was, ‘Let us pray’,” she said.

Mrs Ogunsola added that her mother was also a peacemaker who offered valuable advice not only to her biological children but to everyone around her, noting that she would be greatly missed for her wisdom, kindness and ability to resolve disagreements within the family and church.

Similarly, the second daughter, Mrs. Oluwakemi Lasore, described her mother as a precious and loving woman who appreciated every act of kindness and never complained about what she received.

She said contentment, gratitude and a cheerful disposition were among the qualities that distinguished the deceased life, adding that she would particularly miss her mother’s jokes, prayers, telephone calls and constant support.

Mrs Oluwakemi Lasore, who also spoke about her mother’s Christian commitment during the wake-keep, said the deceased was a firm believer in God who consistently reminded her children that nothing was impossible for God.

She added that her mother’s faith strengthened the family’s relationship with God, expressing the hope that she would enjoy eternal rest in the bosom of her Saviour.

Also Comrade Bayo Lasore, son-in-law of the deceased, described Princess Winifred as a woman of integrity, generosity and exceptional motherhood, saying she was always available to support people regardless of their circumstances.

He described her as a wonderful mother and a true example of motherhood, noting that she never complained but consistently stood by family members, friends and others who needed her support.

Comrade Lasore said the family and everyone who came in contact with her would greatly miss her, adding that although they wished she could live longer, her 86 years on earth were a testament to a life well spent.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.

In his tribute, the Presbyter of Trinity Methodist Church, Itesi, Abeokuta, Very Rev. Abiodun Emmanuel Adeyemi, described Mama Winifred Kuforiji as a committed, and caring member of the Methodist Church who devoted her resources and energy to advancing God’s work.

He said testimonies about her life reflected her dedication to the church and willingness to go out of her way to ensure that its activities and programmes received the necessary support.

Adeyemi urged Christians to emulate the virtues demonstrated by the deceased, stressing that challenges facing the country should not discourage anyone from serving God faithfully.

He encouraged members to continue looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith.

Also speaking, Rev. Adeolu Joseph Adejuwon, who read from Hebrews 9:27, reminded the congregation that death was an inevitable experience for every human being.

He explained that the biblical passage was a reminder of human mortality and the need for everyone to live uprightly, urging the congregation to embrace good conduct and remain conscious of their relationship with God.

Other tributes were paid by family members, including Mrs. Dupe Kayode, while church members also recalled the late Mama’s contributions to the church and the group she belonged to during her lifetime.

The funeral service was attended by prominent personalities, including the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Trade and Investment, and full representatives of the Alake of Egbaland, alongside other dignitaries, relatives, friends and well-wishers who gathered to honour the memory of the deceased Christian leader .

THE FULL EDITED VIDEO REPORT OF THE EVENT SOON ON BEN TELEVISION UK YOUTUBE CHANNEL