By Emeka Chiaghanam
A solemn farewell in Uli
It was a day filled with deep emotion, honour and reflection as family, friends and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to Sir Venatius Chukwuyerenwa Agbasiere, fondly called Dara Akaekpuchionwa.
His funeral Mass was held at St. Gregory’s
Catholic Church, Eziama, Uli, drawing a large crowd who came to celebrate a
life described as worthy and impactful.
After
the requiem Mass, his remains were laid to rest at his country home in Eziama,
Uli, bringing to a close a journey marked by dedication to family, faith and
community.
A call to live ready for
eternity
In
his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence, Cardinal
Peter Okpaleke, delivered a powerful message centred on the theme, “Preparation
in Our Lifestyles.” He reminded worshippers that life is uncertain and no one
knows when their time on earth will come to an end.
He urged Christians to live in constant readiness by doing what is right and staying close to God. According to him, the Easter season offers hope, as it reflects the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life.
Cardinal
Okpalaeke encouraged the faithful to remain prayerful, disciplined and
committed to good conduct. He stressed that living a faithful life is the sure
path to fulfilling God’s purpose and securing eternity.
A father remembered for
quiet strength
Tributes
poured in from family members, each sharing touching memories of a man they
described as humble, caring and deeply devoted to his family.
His
son, Anthony K. Agbasiere, popularly known as “Celebrity Lawyer”, described his
father as a silent achiever who placed great value on education. He said his
father, with the support of his mother, trained all seven children through
higher education.
He
recalled how his father chose to invest in the future of his children rather
than personal comfort. He also spoke of his father’s generosity and the support
he received during his studies and legal training.
According
to him, Dara Akaekpuchionwa lived a fulfilled life, touching many lives through
kindness, sacrifice and selfless service.
A loving husband and
pillar of the home
For
his wife, Mrs Nky Agbasiere, the loss is deeply personal. She described her
late husband as a kind and gentle soul who was always ready to help others.
She
said he loved his children deeply and remained a strong source of pride for the
family. His life, she noted, was marked by humility, compassion and unwavering
love.
Though
saddened by his passing, she expressed comfort in the belief that he is now at
peace with God. She added that his love and legacy would continue to live on in
their hearts.
Children honour a life of
purpose
His
children also spoke with pride and gratitude, remembering a father who gave his
all to ensure their success and happiness.
Mrs
Chukwu Ndidi (née Agbasiere), his fourth child, described him as a great man, a
hero and a true gentleman. She said he was a pillar of love and support who
ensured all his children received university education.
She also highlighted his warm nature, noting how he welcomed others, including her husband, as part of the family and showed deep love for his grandchildren.
Similarly,
Mrs Chinelo Igwe (née Agbasiere) described her father as strong, loving and
compassionate. She said he shaped her life with values of hard work, resilience
and kindness.
To
her, he was not just a father but a guide and protector whose influence will
continue to shape her life even in his absence.
A life of discipline,
faith and service
Dara
Akaekpuchionwa’s life was widely regarded as one of discipline, humility and
industry. He was known as a devoted Catholic who lived his faith and served his
community with sincerity.
Those who knew him spoke of his simplicity and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He built a legacy grounded in integrity, hard work and commitment to family.
His
greatest pride was ensuring that all his seven children received higher
education, a testament to his belief in knowledge as a lasting inheritance.
A legacy that lives on
As
he was laid to rest, many reflected on a life that left a lasting mark. Dara
Akaekpuchionwa is survived by his wife, seven children and many grandchildren.
Though
he is gone, his legacy of love, sacrifice and service continues to shine
through the lives he touched. For many, his story is a reminder that a quiet
life, lived with purpose and kindness, can leave the deepest impact.
Post a Comment