Celebrating HRH NELLY S.P.U. OGAN AT 90 By Charles OGAN

“Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!”

Mark Twain
Happy 90th Birthday to a quintessential mother, Mrs Nelly S.P.U. Ogan, as she ages gracefully with poise and refreshing candour.
Mama as we fondly call her was born on Thursday 07 August,1930 into the Christian family of late Chief Christopher B. J. Ogan, an eloquent speaker and interpreter associated with many merchant and arbitration cases involving Okrika Kingdom and her neighbours. He was the paramount ruler of Ogan Community in Rivers State, Nigeria from 1933 to 1961; and late Mrs. Dina C.J. Ogan who like Anna was a devout and patient believer. She was also the first woman in Okrika to pass the standard six school leaving certificate examination (today’s First School Leaving Certificate Examination).
Mrs. Nelly Ogan is the first wife of the late Amanyanabo (King) of Okrika, His Majesty Sir S.P.U. Ogan, Ado VIII (JP). Though she is blessed with three biological children, she is mother to everyone in the family. And when the entire extended family had to feed during the Nigeran Civil war, like the widow of Zarephath, it was from mama’s pot.
Over the years, mama has exemplified true character in defiance of today’s norms and chose to live her life for the blessings and upliftment of others. She is a contented woman, not for her the life of affluence and ostentation, greed and avarice. She will rather forgo her personal comfort for the welfare of others, particularly children of the poor, the aged, the sick and the widow. She is an active and devoted member of the mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild of the Anglican Church and a uniting force and rallying point among friends and family.

Though she is quiet and humble, Mrs. Nelly. Ogan is full of strength and character. She is firm but fair to all, simple, honest and incorruptible. She taught us to be humble and that success only comes from hard work. That is the kind of woman you are mama. A beautiful and virtuous woman, a caring and loving mother and a kind and committed Christian, who has raised and touched many lives by your gracious deeds and life of humility, integrity and service.
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May God continue to keep and sustain you in divine health, strength and mental alertness in Jesus name.