By NICHOLAS OBISIKE

The remains of Nigeria Actress, Mrs Elizabeth Evoeme, better known as Ovuleria, was on Friday laid to rest in her home town, Umuaba Okpu-umuobo in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government in Abia.

Evoeme was born on Dec. 1, 1942 and began her career in a drama group called,”Ndichie” and other drama series between 1982 to 1993.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evoeme was married to late Mr Israel Evoeme.

She died on May 7, 2024 at the age of 82.

Her popular acting name “Ovuleria” came from the Nigeria Television Authority drama known as, “The New Masquerade,” and she was originally named Elizabeth, which was later shortened to Lizzy.

In his tribute, Mr Mathew Ekwuribe, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, described Evoeme as an icon of creativity.

Ekwuribe said, ”I will say that an icon has departed and we all know that death is inevitable and a debt that every living soul own and we must pay.

“We are saddened to hear about the death of Chief Lizzy and we all know the role she played in the entertainment industry, the family and Abia in general.

“I want to use this opportunity to tell our veterans that are here and not here that, we will love to celebrate them not only when they die but now, they are alive.

“The administration of Gov. Alex Otti will like to celebrate, recognise and do whatever we can to give the veterans a sense of belonging in whichever way we can in Abia,” Ekwuribe said.

Chief Chika Okpala, known as, “Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe alias 4.30”, described late colleague as a motivator, ebullient initiator, a brilliant actress and peacemaker.

“The entire members of NTA NEW MASQUERADE Troup are grieved at the sudden departure of our respected colleague and she will be missed by Nigerians.

“Ovy my darling as I fondly called her, and she will reply, Zebrudaya, my loving husband, in the sitcom, may your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” he said.

In his sermon, Evangelist Christian Samuel of Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Port Harcourt, urged People to make hay when the sun shines because life is short.

Samuel said that human body was only a tent in which the soul lived and would soon be dismantled.

Samuel said, “They (people) are today laying the tent which houses their sister, late Lizzy and not Lizzy herself because, Lizzy has gone to answer her maker, leaving the tent behind.” (NAN)