• Why CBN governor banned expensive liquor and other obscenities at mother’s funeral
Humility is not a peculiar habit of self-effacement, rather like having an inaudible voice, it is a gallant respect for reality and one of the most difficult and central of all the virtues. Godwin Emefiele, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), undoubtedly appreciates its essence. This explains his decision to hold a low key funeral for his deceased mother, Madam Alice Emefiele.
Unlike several billionaires and public servants of his class, Emefiele shied from turning his mother’s funeral into an avenue by which he would flaunt his wealth and make an emphatic social statement; he didn’t turn it to a festival of wealth and testament to his clout and high office. Thus the absence of choice decor, expensive champagne, cognac, meals and entertainment often acquired at prohibitive cost.
At the funeral of Emefiele’s mother, the guests, irrespective of their pedigree and class, were treated to soft drinks, water and light snacks. This has no doubt endeared the CBN governor to majority of his kin and public commentators. Pundits commend him for setting a good example for majority of his peer that have developed a taste for turning every funeral into a vulgar shindig.
Emefiele’s decision to host a low profile funeral for his mother was allegedly borne of his desire to truly honour his mother by propagating the values she preached and instilled in him and his siblings while she was alive. Madam Alice allegedly frowned at loud and obscene display of wealth and power while she was alive. She reportedly counselled her wards to desist from such obscenities as they were tantamount to shameful ego-tripping and arrogance in the sight of God.
It is heartwarming to know that her son, Godwin and his siblings, truly took to her wise counsel.
