Archbishop Okeke’s Aide Buries Elder Brother, Pray God To Console His Family
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Chief of Protocols to the Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike has buried his elder brother, late Charles Ifeanyi Adimike on Saturday at his residence, Ejighinandu Village, Awka Etiti in Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.
Fr. Adimike who doubles as the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocesan Director of communication rained encomium to Archbishop Valerian Okeke and Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Rev. Martin Uzoukwu for their fatherly care and love.
He also extolled over sixty Priests, Monsignors, Episcopal Vicar of Iyiowa Odekpe region, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Egwuoba, Religious, Anglican Priest, Venerable Charles Umeoduagu, friends and well wishers as well as all and sundry for their solidarity support.
The cleric however urged his Mother, his late brother’s wife and her Children to take heart, saying that even though their father has died but the remaining siblings are available to provide them their wants.
However, Archbishop Valerian Okeke who was not physically present at the requiem Mass had on the vigil Mass reached out to the bereaved family at their residence and condoled them and prayed for the peaceful repose of late Charles Adimike as well as blessed them.
According to Fr. Adimike, Archbishop Okeke would have been in the requiem Mass but he went to his sister’s event which was already scheduled before the demise of his elder brother.
He said that the Prelate was represented by the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Prudentius Emeka Aroh and Episcopal Vicar of Nnobi region, Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Ezika.
Meanwhile, the requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Awka Etiti and presided by the bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Rev. Martin Uzoukwu alongside the younger brother to the deceased, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike and Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Ezika.
Delivering his homily, the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Alor, Rev. Fr. Izuu Ifem reminded the people of God that nothing happens without God’s knowledge.
He noted that the demise of late Charles Adimike at the age of 56 is indeed painful but nobody can question God, urging the bereaved family to look unto God who he said would console them better.
Fr. Izuu who described late Charles Adimike as his cousin brother said that he was easy going fellow who understands the value of relationship, adding that he has no much money but he knows what relationship is all about.
He hinted that God allows tribulations and sufferings in other to test people’s faith, stating that death is a debts which everyone is entitled to pay at anytime.
Consoling the Adimike family, the Parish CWO President SS Peter and Paul ( Iba Pope)Awada, Mrs Heritta Ozigbo said that the prayers of Parish CWO is that through the intercessor of Blessed Virgin Mary, the soul of late Charles Adimike would rest in the bosoms of God.
Equally speaking, the organizer Awada zone, Mrs Onwugharam Ifeoma ” Iyiom Jesus” lamented the untimely death of late Charles at the age of 56, saying that such age is when life is more enjoyable, praying God to grant his eternal repose.
On behalf of Adimike’s family, Mr. Callistus Adimike in his appreciation speech said, ” Our profound gratitude and appreciation to all, who through their prayer, kindness and support have shared in our grief and sorrow over the demise of our brother, father, husband and uncle.
We pray the Almighty God to bless and reward you all. And may He lead you all safely to your various destination in Jesus name, Amen” Adimike prayed.
Among the dignitaries at the burial included; Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh, former gubernatorial candidate in Anambra State, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha, Anambra State Commissioner for information, Mr. Paul Nwosu, Hon. Pat Okafor amongst other.
