Publicity Secretary NBAWF, Theodora Kio-Lawson, Set To Bury Mother

Late Gold Grace Igoni Wokoma, the mother of Theodora Kio-Lawson, Head of Branding & Corporate Communications at Arila Group and the Publicity Secretary of the NBA Women Forum is set to be buried on March 24, 2023.

In a statement signed by the trio of Stella Obelema Wokoma, Theodora Ibifuro Kio-Lawson & David Telema Wokoma, it was disclosed that the Matriarch of the family died on January 13, 2023, at the age of 78.

A Service of songs is scheduled to hold on the 22nd at her Residence in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, at 6:00 pm, while she will lie in state on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Ebony Vaults Private Viewing Room in Ikoyi, Lagos, by 9:00 am.

The funeral service would also hold on Friday, 24th March at 10:am in Ikoyi. This would be followed immediately by interment at the Ebony Vaults & Gardens in Ikoyi, Lagos. There would be a brief reception in Victoria Island, Lagos the same afternoon for close family and friends.

Members of the legal community have continued to condole and commiserate with the family since her passing. In a letter of commiseration jointly signed by the Chairperson, Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha, and the Secretary, Mrs. Irene Pepple, and delivered in person, the Executive Committee and Council of the Nigerian Bar Association e NBAWF spoke glowingly about the late Matriarch.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, Mrs Okorocha said, “Your mother was an amazing woman, an epitome of kindness who holds a special place in the hearts of her loved ones. She touched and inspired so many lives and will be greatly missed.

“A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime then forever in our memory. As Hellen Keller said, ‘What we have once enjoyed we can never lose, all that we love deeply becomes a part of us’. Mama lived a truly fulfilled and impactful life and her legacy of love, goodness, and wisdom lives on in you all.”

The NBAWF ExCo prayed for God to comfort Theodora and grant her family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. “Please accept our deepest condolences and assurances of being with you at this time of grief.”

During its condolence visit to Kio-Lawson, who was a former committee head of the Section, the leadership of the NBA Section of Business Law led by the Chairman of the section, Dr Adeoye Adefulu prayed for the memory of the departed to remain a blessing to those she has left behind.

He said, “Your life shines through Theo, your dear daughter.  We pray that your memory will remain a blessing for her, her siblings, and all the dear ones you left behind.”

In her remarks, the Treasurer of the NBA-SBL, Ayoyinka Awosedo urged the family to be comforted by the life she lived. “I can’t imagine how you and your family are feeling about the loss of your mother, but I know that the life she lived and the impact she made on you and your siblings, and her grandchildren cannot be measured.  Please hold on to those memories and experiences, and may it always give you all comfort.  It is well with you and may God give you the fortitude to bear the loss.  May her soul rest in God’s perfect peace,” she said.

The Section’s administrator, Endurance Uhumuavbi also paid glowing tributes to the late matriarch, as he prayed for her soul to rest in peace. “Your death is heaven’s gain and God knows better than we do.”

Late Gold who had a fulfilling career in civil service, worked as a senior executive in the Rivers State government for 35 years, beginning with the Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions Bureau of the Governors’ Office and thereafter the Ministry of Justice, where she was until her retirement in 2007.

She is survived by her brother, sisters, cousins, children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and in-laws.