Matriarch Comfort Kenya Laid to Rest in Eleme

 

By Nwafor Oji Awala

Eleme, Rivers State – Family, friends, clergy, and dignitaries gathered on Friday, May 31, 2025, at the State School Aleto in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State to bid farewell to Madam Comfort Ngor Kenya, a revered matriarch, disciplinarian and loving mother. Her burial ceremony, described as well-attended, was a testament to the profound impact she had on countless lives.

Madam Kenya, affectionately known was remembered for her unwavering selflessness and deep faith. Her son, Pastor Fortune Kenya of the Evangelism World Crusade Church, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the church, fellow clergy, friends, family, and dignitaries for their overwhelming support during this somber time.

Born on August 7, 1952, Comfort Ngor Kenya led a life marked by resilience and an expansive heart. Her first marriage in 1970 to the late Chief Joseph Amadi of Chumu Community, Aleto, was blessed with a daughter, Mrs. Grace Ezekiel Oluji. She later married the late Chief Kenya Gomba of Ewuu Community, also in Aleto, in 1972, a union that brought forth seven surviving children out of eight.

Madam Kenya's compassion extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a mother and counselor to all who crossed her path, offering kindness and support to her step-children, tenants, neighbors, and relatives in need. After losing her second husband in 2000, she single-handedly raised her children, instilling in them the importance of quality education and godly living. She also encouraged her daughters and daughters-in-law to be financially independent, submissive, God-fearing, and supportive wives, all while showering her grandchildren with love.

Comfort Kenya was a trailblazing businesswoman whose career began even before the Nigerian Civil War. She was an active fruit seller until the war halted her enterprise in 1967. During the conflict, she dedicated herself to humanitarian work, serving with the Red Cross Society, where she was responsible for distributing food relief to internally displaced war victims.

After the war, in 1973, Madam Kenya ventured into large-scale foodstuff sales, dealing in items like rice, beans, icefish, garri, groundnut oil, and palm oil. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to found the prominent Nchia Market Women Cooperative, popularly known as "Meeting Mba-Echieta," and she was also a respected money lender within the community.

Born into a devout Christian home, with a father so committed to the Anglican Church that he was buried on church premises—a rare honor for devoted Christians of his era—Madam Kenya's spiritual journey evolved. After her marriage to Chief Kenya Gomba, she joined the Evangelism World Crusade Church in 1984, which became the family's spiritual home. Her first son from this marriage rose to become a Senior Minister in the GEWC Ministry, an international conference speaker, and an author.

Though she briefly left the ministry due to unforeseen circumstances, Madam Kenya was restored to her faith in 2005. Following a divine instruction received in a dream, she joined the Assemblies of God Church, becoming a faithful and devoted member. She was an active participant in the Women Fellowship, frequently praying at the altar for her children and others. Her commitment was evident in her regular and punctual attendance at weekly activities and Sunday school services. In her later years, she became a cherished counselor, offering godly advice to all who sought her wisdom.

Madam Comfort Ngor Kenya passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Nwafor Oji Awala