Late Ozo Francis Odemene Anakwue Goes Home…..As Family Offers Scholarship For Persons With Disabilities
From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka
It was cheering news at the burial service of Late Ozo Francis Odemene Anakwue, (Ozo Ogbuanyinya,Oronukwu 1,Onyeoma Gbulu Agu) at the Central School Field, Amanuke Thursday, 2nd January, 2025, when the family led by Elder Samuel Ikechukwu Anakwue (SI Magnet) announced a scholarship scheme for anyone with disabilities but brilliant at both educational levels primary school, Secondary school and tertiary institution.
The burial presided over by The Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Bishop of Awka diocese was attended by priests including Ven.Dr WI Anowai, Reverend Canon Rueben Okafor Supervisory priest for Urum Archdeaconry, Reverend Canon Christian Obijiofor, priest incharge of Holy Trinity Anglican Church Amanuke, as well as other
dignitaries including the state chairman of PDP, Comrade Chidi Chidebe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council among others.
In his homily, Archbishop Ibezim represented by his Administrative Assistant, Ven Prince Chuma Oranye encouraged Christians to give their lives to Jesus Christ since He is the creator and finisher of their lives.
He asked Christians to seek repentance always no matter the situation for Jesus Christ can fix all in their lives, adding that whatever that must have mesmerized them, that God’s grace is sufficient. He added that one’s relationship with God is key and not his Church denomination, hence his interest is on repentance and nothing else.
The Supervisory Priest incharge of Urum Archdeaconry, Reverend Canon Rueben Okafor prayed that everyone who came for the burial shall tap longevity from the deceased who lived for 111 years. He thanked the Archbishop for the opportunity and appreciated Rev Canon Christian Obijiofor for being a good host.
The priests prayed for the family of Late Ozo Francis Odemene Anakwue for peace and grace of God to be sufficient in the family.
Scion of the Late Ozo Francis Odemene Anakwue, Elder Samuel Ikechukwu Anakwue while appreciating the Archbishop for approving the burial ceremony and the Urum Archdeaconry for participating actively, appealed to the Vcar Holy Trinity Anglican Church,Amanuke, Rev Canon Christian Obijiofor to take the lead and get people who are living with disabilities for the family to sponsor their education either primary, secondary or university education.
He prayed lives of those who attended to identify with them at their father’s burial be blessed with longevity, adding that his financial blessings are for God’s vineyard hence he is ready to invest in the church of Christ.
Elder Samuel Ikechukwu Anakwue informed that his father’s life was marked by resilience, dedication and unwavering spirit that has left an indelible mark on him and everyone who encountered him.
Late Ozo Francis Odemene Anakwue had 15 children and several grand children and great grandchildren, even as he would be remembered for his service to the community both in Aba and Amanuke as Chairman Amanuke Improvement Union ,Aba branch among others.
He was a brave wrestler, having defeated the mighty terror of Igbariam at Umuagu Square Achalla hence the appellation “Oronukwu”.
The second son, Chief Shedrack Ndubuisi Anakwue, Oronukwu 11, Ozo Chili Na Nwata noted that the life of his father is full of interesting history even from childhood, hence, he remained his inspiration and role model.
For Mr Kenneth Anakwue, his son, his late father taught him to shun greed materialism and over ambitiousness as these could lead to unnecessary sickness and other obstacles. He was happy his father saw his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The son in law, Pastor Bonny Nnonyelu described late Ogbuefi Ezeugo as a fun to be father in law and a good father to his family, hence ,at death, it’s simply giving thanks to God.
Commissioner for Homeland Affiars, Chief Chikodi Anara and other government officials attended the burial ceremony.
