By Emeka Chiaghanam
Late Matriarch Remembered as a
Devoted Christian, Loving Mother and Woman of Virtue
Late Mrs Christiana Onuabuchi
Ekweozor (née Nwankwo Aforka) was on Friday honoured with glowing tributes as
family members, friends, clergy, traditional rulers and dignitaries gathered at
St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Umuawulu, in Awka South Local Government Area of
Anambra State, to bid her a final farewell.
The funeral Mass, attended by a
large congregation of mourners from different walks of life, was marked by
prayers, reflections and heartfelt messages celebrating a woman many described
as a symbol of faith, humility and selfless service.
Presiding over the Mass, the
Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, urged Christians
to live meaningful lives and strive to leave behind legacies that would
continue to inspire future generations.
A Farewell to a Life Well Lived
In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor
described the late Mrs Ekweozor as a committed Catholic who remained faithful
to God throughout her lifetime.
He said the gathering was not
only to pray for the peaceful repose of her soul and sympathise with the
bereaved family but also to remind everyone present about the reality of life
and the need to prepare for eternity.
According to the bishop, every
funeral presents an opportunity for people to reflect on how they are living
and the kind of legacy they are building.
“We are gathered here today to
honour a woman who lived her faith and served God faithfully. At the same time,
we must all remember that life is temporary and that one day each of us will be
called to give an account of how we lived,” he said.
The cleric noted that the greatest
wealth anyone can leave behind is not material possessions but a good name and
a life that positively touched others.
Bishop Urges Christians to
Build Lasting Legacies
Bishop Ezeokafor encouraged
Christians to remain focused on living upright lives, stressing that every act
of kindness, honesty and service to humanity contributes to the legacy a person
leaves behind.
He said the life of the late
Mrs Ekweozor should serve as an example to those who desire to make a positive
impact in their families, communities and places of worship.
According to him, what people
do while alive is far more important than the ceremonies that follow after
their death.
“The discussions we are having
today are not for the deceased alone. They are also for those of us who are
still alive. We must learn to live in a way that honours God and benefits
humanity,” he stated.
He urged members of the
Ekweozor family to remain steadfast in their faith and continue to uphold the
values their mother cherished throughout her life.
‘Live Right and Trust in God’
The bishop further advised
Christians not to lose hope during difficult moments but to remain patient and
trust in God.
He stressed that while life may
present challenges, God never fails to reward those who remain faithful and committed
to doing what is right.
“As Christians, we need
patience and perseverance. There is a reward for every good work. If there is
reward in the world, how much more from our Heavenly Father, whose reward is
perfect and everlasting,” he said.
He encouraged the bereaved
family to find comfort in God and draw strength from their faith during the
period of mourning.
Concerns Over National
Challenges
While speaking on issues
affecting the country, Bishop Ezeokafor also expressed concern about the state
of the nation, particularly the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
He said political leaders must
always remember that public office is a call to service and accountability.
The bishop voiced
disappointment over what he described as unfulfilled promises made to Nigerians
during the 2023 election campaigns, particularly in the area of electricity
supply.
According to him, many
Nigerians had expected significant improvements in power supply but were still
waiting to see those promises fulfilled.
He also raised concerns about
the rising cost of living and worsening insecurity across the country, urging
leaders to focus more attention on policies that improve the wellbeing of
citizens.
“Nigerians deserve leadership
that places the welfare of the people first. Those entrusted with public office
must remain committed to addressing the challenges facing the nation,” he said.
Looking ahead to future
elections, he urged citizens to carefully assess those seeking public office
and choose leaders who possess competence, integrity and a genuine desire to
serve.
Support for Soludo’s
Development Agenda
The bishop also commended the
developmental efforts of Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo,
urging residents to continue supporting initiatives aimed at moving the state
forward.
He noted that firmness in
leadership should not be mistaken for wickedness, adding that leaders sometimes
need to make difficult decisions to ensure progress and order.
According to him, Governor
Soludo’s efforts deserve encouragement and support from the people of the
state.
Dignitaries Gather to Pay Their
Final Respects
The funeral Mass attracted
several Catholic priests, religious leaders, traditional rulers, captains of
industry, political figures and senior government officials.
Among those present was the
Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze,
alongside other notable personalities who came to honour the memory of the late
matriarch.
Many of those in attendance described
Mrs Ekweozor as a caring mother, respected community figure and committed
Christian whose life touched many people.
Family Appreciates Outpouring
of Love and Support
Speaking during the vote of
thanks, Dr Azubuike Ekweozor, one of the sons of the deceased, expressed
gratitude to Bishop Ezeokafor, members of the clergy, friends, associates and
well-wishers who stood by the family during their time of grief.
He thanked everyone who
attended the funeral Mass and supported the family through prayers, encouragement
and acts of kindness.
According to him, the
overwhelming show of love and solidarity demonstrated how deeply his mother was
respected and appreciated by those whose lives she touched.
A Legacy That Will Continue to
Inspire
As the funeral service came to
a close, prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of the soul of Mrs
Christiana Onuabuchi Ekweozor, while mourners reflected on a life marked by
faith, compassion and dedication to family and community.
For many who attended, the
ceremony was not merely a farewell but a celebration of a woman whose values,
kindness and devotion to God left an enduring mark on those around her.
Though she has departed this
earthly life, those who knew her believe her legacy of faith, love and service
will continue to inspire generations to come.
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