The children of late Mama Astira Maimuna Kpengyua, first from right is CSC Dinya Sabo of the JBPT, sector 2, NCS.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The family of the late Astira Maimuna Sabo Kpengyua who was born into the family of late Mallam Dogolamba and Patu Dogolamba on the 15th of August 1920 in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State mourn as they go through her funeral rites. The late matriarch of the Kpengyua family who died on the 31st of December 2023 in her sleep at the ripe old age of 103 years had been buried amidst tears and also celebration for the life of a woman whose life her children say had been exemplary and impactful.
According to one of the children, CSC Dinya Sabo of the Joint Border Patrol Team, sector 2 of the Nigeria Customs Service, his late mother did not have the privilege of getting a western education, but in her quest for knowledge attended an adult education school where she learnt how to read and write.
Late Mama Astira Maimuna Kpengyua was born a Muslim in an Islamic home but converted to Christianity after marriage to Mr Solomon Sabo Kpengyua and was baptized by Rev. Bulus Inashi.
CSC Dinya Sabo, middle with Tunde Umar-Daniah right and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha on the left.
Mama was compassionate and zealous for God’s work. She served as a Sunday school teacher in CRCN No 1 Takum, she also dedicated her time to the women fellowship (Zumunta Mata) and the New Life For All (Sabon Rai Don Kowa) group.
Late Mama Astira Maimuna Kpengyua was survived by a brother, 6 children, 20 grand children, 10 great grand-children and in-laws amongst who are; Pastor (Mrs) Deluwa Saleh – Bibinu of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and of course CSC Dinya Sabo of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Part of CSC Sabo’s tribute to her late mother reads “My mother, you were a real pillar of support, a bedrock of principle and a huge stay for all your children. Mother, I have always loved your gentle ways of persuasion, but when you needed to wield the big stick, it was still out of the abundant love of a real mother who never wanted her children to stray from the good part. You always had a kind word for everyone, but your firmness was also always refreshing”.
The late Mama Astira Maimuna Kpengyua.
“You helped to make great a child out of me even though I had my naughty ways. You disciplined your children in a most loving way and taught us the vital necessity to burn the midnight oil and to put in the proper shifts. You so much worried about our mischieivous ways and how to turn them into assets and you helped to make very fine adults out of those little mischieviuos tykes”.
“Mother, you were accommodating, you were generous, you were charitable and you really did care for others. Your considerate nature and warm dispositions endeared you to so many people and your magnanimous heart touched multitudes”.
“You had a great smile that did lit up cold dark hearts and your sociable mien gave joy to those around you. Your desire for all round progress for all was a great source of encouragement to people who heard about or have met you”.
The funeral rites of the late Mama Astira Maimuna Kpengyua took place at the Christian Reformed Church, Nigeria (CRC-N) Takun, Taraba State and was officiated by
Rev Nathan Andrew Bente and Rev. Samuel Sunday Joseph. The reception took place at the Sabo residence where guests were entertained with sumptuous meals and choice wines.
The guests at the event included Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, Hon. Dincomiya Bibonga, Member, Taraba House of Assembly, royal father’s, community leaders, youth association leaders, officials of the FIRS and the Joint Border Patrol Team of the Nigeria Customs Service amongst others.
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