By Michael Nnebife
It was a celebration of a life well lived as prominent personalities from all walks of life in the South East and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, gathered at Ugbene in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, for the funeral Mass of Ezinne Theresa Okwuego Nweke, the mother of the Managing Director, Fidwax Group, Port Harcourt, Chief Fidelis Osita Nweke.
Among the dignitaries that graced the Mass were throngs of clergymen too numerous to be counted; the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Elections, Mr Peter Obi; the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Dr Ifeanyi Ossai; the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze; his Deputy, Mr Pius Okoye; the Mayor of Awka North LGA, Mr ThankGod Anagor; a
former federal lawmaker that represented Anaocha Njikoka Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Dr Dozie Nwankwo; among other government functionaries, including numerous traditional rulers in Anambra State, academics, businessmen and captains of industry that came from far and near.
Speaking in a homily, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, who presided over the Mass, extolled the life and times of Ezinne Theresa, who, he said, selflessly served the Church, her Ugbene Community, and inculcated the spirit of serving God into her children.
According to Bishop Ezeokafor, Ezinne Theresa held a position of President, Catholic Women’s Organization, CWO, of St Peter’s Parish, Ugbene, for 15
years.
The Bishop said her outstanding contributions to the development of the Parish, the deanery, among others, earned her several awards and titles which included Nne Parish, Ezinne, Nnenzuko, and Nnechukwugoziri.
The Prelate noted that the Mass was a thanksgiving for God’s blessings and benevolence upon Ezinne Theresa, saying she lived an impeccable good Christian life, demonstrating her faith in God with full strength.
Bishop Ezeokafor expressed optimism that with her faith and services to the Church, Ezinne had made heaven.
He however, consoled her children, urging them to uphold the spirit of serving God which the mother inculcated in them.
Reminding the congregation that filled to brim, the gigantic St Peter’s
Church building, the venue of the Mass, of the need to always prepare for their own deaths through good work, the Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese admonished affluent individuals to use their wealth and possessions to seek heaven, by providing for the welfare of others, particularly the needy around them.
The Chief Shepherd, who said one’s wealth did not belong to one alone, further charged the congregation to begin to engage in doing what he called universal good to make heaven.
In his remarks on behalf of the Nweke Family, the son of Ezinne Theresa, Chief Fidelis Osita, thanked Bishop Ezeokafor, the mammoth crowd of clergy that attended the Mass, including the associates, friends and well-wishers of the Nweke Family, for coming to honour his mother.
With an emotion-laden voice, Chief Fidelis said his
mother impacted so much on his life and those of his siblings.
’The best gift my mum gave to me was her drawing me close to God. She helped me to know God. She always told me, ”Fidelis, remember the Church, remember the Church”.
’She singlehandedly nurtured us and did everything possible for us to survive.
’She mentored us and every other person that came around her,’ Chief Fidelis said.
In a brief biography of the Nwekes’ matriarch, the Fidwax Group MD, described his mother as a resilient, disciplined and hard-working woman.
’Her hard work paid off – she not only provided well for us her children, but also sponsored herself for full induction into the prestigious women’s Iyom title, earning her the famous title name, ”Ikeche Oche Eze”.
’Through her strength, expertise and success in farming, she built a four-bedroom bungalow for herself.
’This achievement earned her several affectionate nicknames, which include ”Ikeche Oge Agbachi Enyi”, ”Ikeche Uno Mkpume Agba Oku”, and ”Ikeche Eje Mmili”,’ the MD said.
He further explained that Ezinne Theresa was also honoured with titles of Golden Mother and Diamond Mother by the Women’s wing of Ugbene Progressive Union.
According to him, she served the Union for 12 years as Chairperson after serving as Vice Chairperson.
’The women of Enuagu Village also benefitted from her leadership for eight years.
’In addition, her age grade, Mgbadabuanu Women’s Wing, had her as Chairperson for four record-breaking and successful years,’ he added, and described the mother as a gifted peacemaker and wise adviser.
’Even in her old age, Nnechukwugoziri remained a Chief consultant to the Catholic Women’s Organization, St Peter’s Parish, Ugbene; Ugbene Progressive Union, Women’s Wing; Enuagu Village Women’s Wing, and Mgbadabuanu Age Grade, Women’s wing,’ Chief Fidelis said, among others.
’She was a great teacher, disciplinarian, generous woman and epitome of hard work.
’My mum tolerated no laziness. None of her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren is lazy as she instilled discipline and diligence in all of them.
’To us, Ezinne Theresa Okwuego Nweke did not die; she was simply invited by God to rest, having raised and impacted generations who will continue her work on earth,’ Fidelis said.
He thanked his mother for nurturing and mentoring him and his siblings, pledging to uphold the virtues, he said, the mother inculcated in them.
The Mass, which took place, on Friday February 27, came to a climax with an interment at Ezinne Theresa’s husband’s compound, and condolence visits by the Nwekes’ in-laws, associates, friends and well-wishers.