By Gloria Ikibah
Leaders of the Rotary family have paid a condolence visit to former Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, following the death of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi.
The delegation, led by Rotary International Assistant Governor, Lizzy Asomugha, popularly known as Star Girl, and accompanied by Rotarian Chibuike, visited the former minister in Abuja to sympathise with him and his family over the loss. 
The visit reflected the Rotary’s culture of compassion and fellowship, as members gathered to offer prayers and moral support to Amaechi during his period of bereavement.
During the visit, the former Rivers State governor spoke fondly of his late mother, describing the close bond they shared. He disclosed that he had hoped she would live to celebrate her 90th birthday, a wish that was sadly unfulfilled.
The delegation also acknowledged Amaechi’s enduring relationship with Rotary, particularly his support for the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf. Over the years, he has attended several of the club’s activities and remained a steadfast supporter of Rotary’s humanitarian programmes.
Speaking after the visit, Assistant Governor Asomugha said the Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service goes beyond executing community projects to standing by people in their most difficult moments.
She said, “Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self extends beyond community projects and humanitarian initiatives to standing with individuals and families during moments of grief and adversity.”
She noted that the condolence visit underscored Rotary’s core values of fellowship, compassion and selfless service, adding that the organisation remains committed to supporting its members, partners and friends through both joyful and challenging times.
Prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, while members of the delegation also prayed for strength, comfort and divine consolation for Amaechi and the entire family as they mourn their loss.
The visit was in keeping with the Catholic tradition of visiting and comforting the bereaved, one of the Corporal Works of Mercy, and further demonstrated Rotary’s belief that service extends beyond humanitarian interventions to caring for people in times of personal grief.
