John ESENE

Late Mama Catherine Oyima Oy’odo Abutu Iji was born into A’kpa Iji family of Orokam District in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State. She graduated as a Nurse and Midwife. She did not see nursing as a job but a call and so zealously cared for the sick to the extent that she can pick a sick person from his home, take him to a hospital and bring him home after treatment without asking for transportation cost.

    Yes! She had a large heart; she accommodated everyone that came her way. She loved deeply, passionately and sacrificially! She was retired at Adeoyo Specialist Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan Oyo State as Matron in 2008.

      Her immeasurable zeal for the Church compelled her to influence Late Fr. Daly to establish Agbamu Catholic Community Worship Central in her residence until the priest purchased a land in 1999 which now accommodates St. Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka, Ibadan. Besides, she faithfully served as a Catechist in St. Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka for many years before she returned to her State in 2016.

   When she arrived home she further served as the Matron and Head of the Okam Forum Mutual Health Scheme. On 31st December 2025 at the age of 80, she was called to glory after a brief illness in Abuja.  She is survived by 8 children who are well educated and married with children. She had many grandchildren, Sons-in-laws and Daughters-in-laws and other relations.

     On 31st January 2026, St Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka, Ibadan celebrated a Requiem Mass for her. Many people outside the Parish, including Catechists from many parishes were in attendance to pay their last respect to her.

     The Homilist, Rev. Father Gabriel Anekwe noted that “Late Mrs Catherine Iji was devoted to her faith. She participated in the Parish Evangelization Drive to Boluwaji, Sanyo-Soka, Ireakari, St Anne Ogbere, St Jude Akanran, St Michael Gbedun, Holy Cross Ayegun. St Patrick Inuodi, St Anthony Araromi, St Stephen Falansa, St Maria Faustina and St Eunan Odo-Oba. She was very amiable, caring and gentle. She and the current Catechist James Akinmoladu accompanied me to SARS, Dugbe when I was detained from 9am to 5pm because of St Francis Catholic Church’s land issue. She was so careful not to allow a negative desire to rule over her, taking her point of departure from Proverb 4:23 and 1 Peter 5:8-9. She used her nursing skill to assist her neighbors without charging money. Her spirituality was indeed very deep; she hardly had issues with anybody. She exhibited cheerful disposition towards people. Her prayer life was a top notch, etc.”

She is survived by the following children: Prof. Mathew Enenche Ogwuche, Dr. Emmanuel Ayegba Ogwueche, Mrs. Onyemowo J. Ilawagbon, Mrs. Susan Adegborioye, Miss Owoya Iji, Mr. David Eche Iji, Engr. Inalegwu Dickson Iji, and Miss Onyeche Justina Iji. Also, Dr. Godwin Ogwuche (Stepson), many grandchildren, son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws, Alice Abutu (sister) and Alecheni Abutu (brother). Mr. Emmanuel Abutu (Her nephew who is a member of St Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka, Ibadan).

 

The Funeral for her burial took place by 10am on Thursday 12th February, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Orokamu in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.

“Late Mrs (Catechist) is a MODEL we cannot easily forget.”

Iya Daada (Good Mother), you have lived a good life. May your gentle soul rest in peace!