As a godly vessel, she had uncompromising integrity, was honest, courageous, generous, philanthropic, dignified, amazing, awesome and beautiful with a heart of gold. These are some of the words used to describe the character and person of our mother, aunt, sister, and wife, late Deaconess Mrs Mabel Azegbuono Afekhena, born on January 6, 1952.
She was born to the families of late Mr Aidomoh Itiekhao & Mrs Irekhouwa Juliana Aidomoh Itiekhao (Nee Oshiafi), both of Blessed Memory, from Olele Quarters in lyuku-Uzairue, Edo State. She was the third (3rd) child of her mother's children.
Deaconness Mrs Mabel Azegbuono Afekhena, a strong advocate for education, was only fortunate in her time to have completed primary school, obtaining her primary school Leaving Certificate. While growing up in a peaceful polygamous household among many siblings, both her parents worked extremely hard as farmers and traders.
She devoted time to learning tailoring in Benin City while staying with her uncle and elder brother. Passionate and determined, she ventured into business, visiting various states and places. For example, she regularly visited Abuja, Benue State, most villages, towns, and cities in Edo State where she was doing business.
As a mother, sister and friend, Deaconness Mrs Mabel Azegbuono Afekhena brought a great deal of joy and support to everyone she came into contact with, providing invaluable support to her family, siblings, and friends. In addition to giving her energy, money, and time, she generously shared her talents with so many others.
Married to Mr Julius Afekhena from Olele, an awesome and godly family was born from her union with both male and female children. Not only was she a woman of virtue, but she was also a symbol of sacrifice and love to many marriages and families during her lifetime.
Despite all odds, Deaconness Mrs Mabel Azegbuono Afekhena ensured her children received the best education, stressed the importance of family unity, was a disciplined person, and loved all of her children unconditionally, including her grandchildren. She was loving, kind & generous.
Dedicated, tenacious, hardworking, extremely determined and tireless, Deaconness Mrs Mabel Azegbuono encountered the Lord Jesus, and became a member of Church of God Mission International where she dedicated herself to serving God. She loved singing songs of praise to God and was a singer of praise, which is evident in the praises and singing she sang even during her passing.
Deaconness Mabel was committed to building long-lasting relationships with her family as a Christian. She nurtured her children with respect, valued their needs, and taught them how to fear God. In addition to her extraordinary knowledge and her commitment to unity, she made a strong connection with her extended and immediate family because of the extraordinary amount of knowledge she gathered for them.
Her skills and abilities were exceptional, and she was hardworking and God-fearing. She became the treasurer of the Iyuku Women Association, Benin Branch, and later became the Association's Chairperson. Due to her selfless commitment, she held that position until her passing, greatly influencing the success of everyone she worked with and lived with.
Inspiring several people with her incredible enthusiasm for work, even the kingdom's work, Deaconness Mabel Azegbuono Afekhena left a lasting impression. She was always full of joy and happiness, smart, intelligent, wise and a very productive worker, never grudging, and humble, yet unassuming. She was a godly adviser, a lovely companion, and an inspiring mentor. Her sense of duty was conscientious, and she was full of compliments.
The Mabel Azegbuono Memorial Educational Scholarship, Youth and Women Empowerment has been established at Clement Igbafe Foundation to honor her zest and interest in education and the well-being of all. We are extremely proud of what she accomplished in her life, and we will always cherish these achievements in our hearts.