By Jethro Ibileke

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has commended Materdei High School, Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, for producing “prominent and quality leaders.”

Jonathan made the remark during the funeral mass for his classmate and sister, late Mrs. Keturah Koweletam Ominabo, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Imiringi on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The former President described Materdei as a missionary and co-educational institution that nurtured leadership early.

“Materdei High School, being a missionary and co-educational school, was complex at that time. So, you could identify young men and women who had leadership qualities and character, and those who did not, even at that age, because it was a co-educational school,” he said.

Jonathan singled out the deceased as one of the school’s outstanding products.

“At that time, various things happened, but you would never associate Keturah with anything negative. She served, she lived a decent life, and that is why we are all here to celebrate her departure. One of her sons, Mr. Wealth Ominabo, is working presently with me as media aide in charge of my foundation,” he stated.

Jonathan said funeral ceremonies should be a time for reflection on life and mortality.

“A funeral ceremony, to me, is not about the deceased. From the Scriptures, the deceased is already with God. So, the funeral ceremony is for us who are still alive.

“We look at the life of the deceased, compare it with our own lives, and also reflect on the fact that if Keturah is gone today, any of us could be next. So, what do we have to do to make sure that we have something to recall?” he said.

The former President also noted his personal connection to the deceased.

“I am also here because the deceased is a family member. We are from the same family, from the Obua side. When we were younger, we did not know, but much later, we got to know the relationship,” he explained.

He called on members of the 1975 graduating class of Materdei High School present at the service to come forward, adding: “let us honour our own.”

He then asked classmates present to bow in honour of their late classmate, Mrs. Keturah Ominabo.

Jonathan commiserated with the Ominabo family and assured them of continued support.

“For the family, you are not alone. We will mourn with you, and we will continue to be with you. For the clergymen, we thank you for coming to preside over this ceremony and for standing with us as our colleagues,” he said.