Farewell, Florence Akhaihiegbe Ihenyen

 Florence Akhaihiegbe Ihenyen was a remarkable woman whose life was characterized by dedication, compassion, and unwavering faith. She was born 26th December 1942 to the family of Late Pa. Imoisili Ihenyen and Madam Titi Teresa Ihenyen of Uhiele-Ekpoma in present day Esan-west Local Government Area.

              Fondly called SISTER by family members and associates, Madam Florence Ihenyen started her education at St. Mary Primary School Uhiele-Ekpoma and later St. Michael Modern College Irrua, Esan-Central Local Government Area. Thereafter, she proceeded to Sacred Heart College Ubiaja for her TC II. She was employed by then Midwest Education Board to teach at St. Mary Primary School Iruekpen, and later Usugbenu Primary School, Irrua.

              Inspired by her younger sister Mrs. Josephine Asuelimen, a nurse, the image of nurses in white uniforms, symbolizing care, and compassion, enthused her. Madam, Ihenyen obtained her midwifery certificate from St. Camillus Hospital Uromi. Wearing the white uniform became a reality to her. She was employed at General Hospital Kwale, General Hospital Obiaruku, General Hospital Agbor respectively where she rose to the position of Midwifery Matron until her retirement. After her retirement she worked with some private hospitals such as Mucas Hospital Lagos after which she went into her private business in Ekpoma. While she was doing her private medicine business, she became an in-house nurse to seminary students. She also mentored and helped women to get loans for their businesses through LAPO (Lift Above Poverty Organization). Thanks to her efforts, many small businesses in the community were able to grow and succeed.

                Madam. Florence Akhaihiegbe Ihenyen was a devoted Christian. Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her decisions and actions. There was an incident where she was robbed, dragged on the floor, her clothes soiled, yet her determination to serve the Lord remained unshaken. She gathered herself, and walked back to the place that held her solace – the church.

Josephine Asuelimen, Ekpoma, Edo State