The remains of Mrs Mercy Omenebele Oyemike, JP, will be interred at her home town, Abbi in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
A statement signed by her son, Chief Christopher Oyemike, Ph.D. (formerly of MTN) and made available to NewsDen revealed that the burial ceremony shall commence on Thursday, August 14, 2025 with ECK Awareness Night/Wake keeping at her residence at Umia Quarters, Abbi from 5 pm while guests would be entertained at Umia Primary School, Elovie quarters, Abbi shortly after her internment on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The late Ogbuefi Mrs. Mercy Omenebele Oyemike JP, was a remarkable woman who lived for 72 years.
She was a pillar of her community and a devoted public servant who left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. Born into the family of late Mr. John Esegbue, she was raised with values that emphasized the importance of service to others.
A highly educated and accomplished nurse, midwife, and public health professional, Mrs. Oyemike dedicated her life to improving the health and wellbeing of those around her.
She had a Master’s degree in Public Health, in addition to her qualifications as a nurse and midwife.
Her professional journey began as a health assistant at the General Hospital Oweh Ologbo, where she demonstrated her commitment to excellence and earned admission into the State School of Midwifery, Benin City, Edo State (then Bendel State). During her time at the school, she was an active member of the students’ union government and graduated with numerous awards and trophies, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Mrs. Oyemike’s career was marked by significant achievements. She served as the National Program on Immunization Manager in Ukwuani Local Government Area for several years, before moving on to become the Primary Health Care Coordinator for Ndokwa East Local Government Area, where she retired at Grade Level 16.
Her contributions to healthcare in her community were immense, and her expertise earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
In addition to her public service, Mrs. Oyemike also ran a private maternity home, Chika Nursing and Maternity Home, in Abbi, where she delivered countless babies, earning her the affectionate title of “Ebele Midwife.” Her impact on maternal healthcare in Abbi was profound, with estimates suggesting that between the 1980s and about 2010, she delivered approximately 98% of babies born in Abbi, providing both antenatal and postnatal care to countless mothers.
Her dedication to her community extended beyond healthcare; she was a skilled mobilizer of people and resources, often supporting her late husband’s political endeavors and contributing to the growth and development of her community.
Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident in her various business ventures. In the 90s, she was a major distributor of kerosene, and she and her late husband were directors of GNLD. They traveled extensively to several parts of the world, broadening their horizons and building relationships that benefited their community.
Her love for academics was evident in the success of her children, all of whom are university graduates. Three of her children hold doctorate degrees, a testament to the value she placed on education and the impact of her legacy. She was a key figure in mobilizing over 1,000 women for the Peter Oyemike Foundation’s periodic empowerment scheme, demonstrating her ability to bring people together and make a positive impact. Her influence in Abbi politics cannot be overstated, as mobilization of the people was one of her simplest tasks.
Notably, she played a significant role in supporting her late husband in the formation of the defunct United Nigerian Congress Party (UNCP) and later the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the community, serving as a key financer and pillar of support.
A devoted Eckist and wife to the late Hon. Chief Peter Oyemike JP, Mrs. Oyemike was blessed with seven children, including Mrs. Chika Odigbo, Chief (Dr.) C.C. Oyemike Onwanetinosa, Mrs. Kem Nwashindi, Onotu (Dr.) Ifeanyi Pedro Oyemike, Dr. Vivian Edema, and Mr. Frank Oyemike, and several grandchildren. One of her children predeceased her, but her legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched.
The couple’s business acumen and investment in real estate left a lasting legacy. They owned several landed properties in Kwale, Abbi, and Asaba, a testament to their foresight and entrepreneurial spirit. Mrs. Oyemike was also a shareholder in several prominent companies, including Zenith Bank, First Bank, and Dangote Sugar, further demonstrating her business savvy and investment prowess.
Mrs. Oyemike’s impact on her community was profound. She was a peacemaker who intervened in several youth and community crises, and her leadership roles included serving as Chairperson of the Police Community Relation Committee in Abbi. Her entrepreneurial spirit was also evident in her operation of one of the largest fish farms in the locality, a testament to her industrious nature.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mrs. Oyemike’s life was her generosity. She cared for over 50 dependants, many of whom were not biologically related to her, demonstrating her boundless compassion and commitment to the wellbeing of others.
Mrs. Oyemike’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.
