By Den Achussah
One of the strongest fellows I’ve known, Ukanakula Kurugh, is evidently broken down. Ukanakula, Benue’s untiring advocate of social justice, shoulder of many to lean on and compassionate young man, lost his mother, Mama Priscilla Udoon Kurugh, on 14th October, 2023. Mama will be laid to rest on 25th November, 2023.
I came to know Mama through her son, Ukanakula, popularly known as Ukan Kurugh. I must admit that she was a true mother and lover of humanity, humane and compassionate.
Today, she has gone the way of her partner, Pa Aker Kurugh. We will miss her.
My prayer is for Jah to console the grieving family of Aker Kurugh and the Warisenebo Ogbulu Ezekiel Hart of Bonny Island of Rivers State.
Below is Mama’s biography as written by Bem Jeffrey Kurugh, head, Aker Kurugh family
In Loving Memory of Mrs. Priscilla Ure Kurugh
Priscilla Ure Kurugh, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 14th, 2023, at the age of 69. She leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and wisdom that will be cherished by her family and friends forever.
Priscilla Ure Kurugh was born on May 11th, 1954, in the Bonny Island of Rivers State. She was the daughter of Warisenebo Ogbulu Ezekiel Hart; Priscilla Ure Kurugh displayed an unwavering commitment to her family, a quality that defined her throughout her life.
Her father, Pa Ezekiel in recognition of the importance of education would send his daughter to school. So, in 1969, Priscilla, who would later become known as Priscilla Udoon, obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) from Government Primary School Bonny.
She was at Government Secondary School Creek Road, Port Harcourt, for her West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1975. During her secondary school days, Priscilla Udoon Ure was recognized for appointment as Chapel Prefect (1974/1975). She was also Leader of Choral Society.
Joseph Aker Kurugh of Tse Dagi Gaav, Konshisha LGA of Benue State found Priscilla irresistible. He saw in her the mother of his children and partner. On 5th July, 1976, one year after she left secondary school, they concluded marriage rites and married.
Marriage did not stop her education. Once she settled down in marriage, she went back to school. Therefore, in 1982, our mother graduated with Teachers’ Grade II from Government Teachers’ College Mkar. Three years later, she was awarded National Diploma (ND) in Catering and Hotel
Management (1985) by the Benue Polytechnic Ugbokolo.
She proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, graduating in 1990 with Higher National Diploma (HND) in Catering and Hotel Management. Priscilla Udoon also holds Diploma in Computer Studies from the Gibs Computer Training Institute (1999).
The demands of her job required she is regularly updated. In view of that she participated in the two weeks cross exposure training in the food and beverage department from 11th April to 22nd April, 2000, by the NICON Hilton Abuja; induction course for professional officers by the Benue State Government in 1992; Hilton International course in Train the Trainer- Skills Training in 2001 by Hilton; Diocesan Advanced Leadership Training Course III, Makurdi
(2002); and Essential Etiquette/Interpersonal Relationship Skills for Protocol and Administrative Officers or Benue State Government (2013).
Her first appointment to the Civil Service of Benue State came on 22nd March, 1991. She was engaged as Catering Officer in the Governor’s office. After six years on the job, she was granted permission to withdraw from the service in August 1997, as a Higher Catering Officer. She then joined the services of Midway Inn Makurdi in the Housekeeping Department.
In the employ of Midway Inn Makurdi, managed by NICON Hilton, Mummy rose to the position of Acting Manager, Food and Beverage. Mummy was recalled back to the Benue Civil Service by His Excellency George Akume upon his election as Governor of Benue State having worked with her while he was Director of Protocol at government House Makurdi in the year 2000.
On 18th January, 2007, Mummy received Letter of Commendation for contribution in the administration of Government House Makurdi. She was promoted to the post of Principal Catering Officer II in the same year. The promotion was effective 2004 so that in 2008, another promotion came, this time to the post of Assistant Chief Catering Officer.
Before her retirement in 2014, haven attained 60 years of age; Priscilla Udoon was Chief
Catering Officer Protocol Department Government House Makurdi Benue State.
In 1997, Mummy received Certificate of Faithful Service; haven served the 10th Benue
Company of Boys’ Brigade Nigeria Anglican Group Council as Matron between 1992 and 1995.
Late Priscilla Ure Kurugh is blessed with children, grandchildren, sisters and uncle, who are as follows:
Children
1. IPirinye Mercy Umechukwu – Daughter
2. Bem Kurugh – Son
3. Achagh Hart Kurugh – Son
4. Gaavlumun John Kurugh – Son
5. Ukanakula Peter Kurugh – Son
Son-in-law/Daughter-in-laws
1. Okechukwu Cyriacus Umechukwu – Son-in-law
2. Faeren Evelyn Kurugh – Daughter-in-law
3. Wuese Thelma Kurugh – Daughter-in-law
4. Kumawuese Jennifer Kurugh – Daughter-in-law
5. Desen Franca Kurugh – Daughter-in-law
Grandchildren
1. Obinna Daniel Umechukwu – Grandson
2. Divine Chinonye Umechukwu – Granddaughter
3. Vincent Chigozirim Umechukwu – Grandson
4. Tochukwu Emmanuel Umechukwu – Grandson
5. Sobechi Hephzibah Umechukwu – Granddaughter
6. Esther Ipirinye Umechukwu – Grandson
7. Okechukwu Joshua Umechukwu – Granddaughter
8. Aquila Wasem Bem Kurugh – Grandson
9. Maximus Shater Bem Kurugh – Grandson
10. Alpha Ken’ana Bem Kurugh – Grandson
11. Damaris Nguungwan Kurugh – Granddaughter
12. Japhet Kuram Kurugh – Grandson
13. Lois Sewuese Kurugh – Granddaughter
Sisters
1. Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Tam Menyuah – Sister
2. Edith Hart – Sister
3. Mrs Ibelema Baningo – Sister
Uncle
1. Chief Idasonye Hart – Uncle
Mummy was a loving wife to her husband; Joseph Aker Kurugh, together; they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and shared adventures. Their enduring love was an inspiration to all who knew them, Joseph Aker Kurugh passed away in 1999, and Priscilla Ure Kurugh often spoke of
the happiness they shared during their years of marriage, Mummy couldn’t sleep in her room since the death of her husband, she slept in the living room (palour) until her demise.
In spite the pains of motherhood and the challenges that widows face; she remained steadfast, ensuring that the children do not deviate from the home training.
As a devote mother to her children (including the ones she took in as her own) Mummy’s kindness and nurturing spirit knew no bounds. She instilled in them the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance, which they carry with them today. Her home was always open to friends, family, and neighbors, where she welcome all with her warm smile and hospitality.
Mummy was a doting grandmother to her children and grandchildren, a role she embraced with boundless enthusiasm.
Later in her life, Mummy was diagnosed with diabetes. Thanks to medical science, doctors
helped in stabilizing her. We had no inkling that she will be leaving us behind at this time, when she was rushed to the hospital on 14th October, 2023 and later died on the same day.
Mummy is survived by her children and grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends that will always cherish her memory. Her legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mummy’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her spirit and love will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
