The remains of Late Mr. Christian Karibo Iyalla, the father of the Rivers State Branch of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Commissioner (Mrs.) Lilian Damie has been laid to rest at his home town, Bakana in Degema local government area Saturday, June 16, 2012.
A brief biography of the deceased disclosed that the late Mr. Christian Karibo Iyalla was born in 1926 into the family of Mr. Lily Jumbo-Braide of Late Chief Jumbo Braide family and Late Mrs. Ibiwari Iyalla of Kala-Obuta family of Iyalla’s compound all in Bakana in Degema local government area in Rivers State.
The biography further revealed that his early years were premised with sadness and pain brought by the demise of both parents. Consequently he spent his early childhood with an Aunt Late Mrs. Jackeerce Abigail at Abonnema town.
Later the turn of events got him reunited with his cousin, Late Madam Asikiya Ndu Iyalla.
The statement disclosed that he is survived by wife, Mrs. Catherine Iyalla and five children: Mr. Taribo Christian Iyalla, Mr. Tamunokuro David Iyalla, Mrs. Lilian Damie, Mrs. Lolo Ibanichukwuka, Master Charles Monima Iyalla and a host of other relations, describing the late Mr. Christian Karibo Iyalla as a gentleman, a disciplinarian, father, teacher, instructor, quiet, easy-going, soft-spoken, slow-to-anger and an astute and devout Christian.
Delivering a tribute, his first daughter, Commissioner (Mrs.) Lilian Damie said his gentle strength gave them life and nurtured then into maturity, his endless courage, comforting smiles and unceasing support kept them together. “He’s never one to toast, he just goes on working for those he loves, his dreams were seldom spoken, his wants are very few. And most times his worries unspoken too,” she added.
The deceased biography hinted that late Mr. Christian Karibo Iyalla relocated to Jos, Plateau State with the support of Late Madam Ndu Iyalla where he gained formal education up to standard six level. Afterwards, he enrolled for and mastered skills in typing and shorthand. This mix enabled him secure employment as a clerical staff in a law firm. During the migration of people from the north due to the civil war, late Mr. Karibo Iyalla returned to Port Harcourt and got employment with the defunct Pan Africa Bank in 1975 and was retired from active service after 19 years.
The first son of the deceased, Mr. Taribo Christian described Pa Iyalla as uncanny, yet filled with perfect love and understanding of one truth: There is no right or wrong, only consequences, how you deal with them is what gives self definition. Mr. Taribo expressed gratitude to God and to all those who came from far and near to give their late father the last respect, especially, the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Eastern Zonal leaders and friends from Lagos and Abuja and prayed God to lead them back to their various destination. ###
Angela Inyena Anietie
