Nanka shutdown as Ohanaeze VP, Okeke-Ogene buries mother
By Chukwudi Ndubeze
Nanka community in Orumba North local government area, Anambra State was agog on Friday, as the National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Mbuzu-Nanka and the Okeke family laid their late mother Madam Regina Okeke nee Emelionwu (Mama Ogene Nanka) to rest, www.odogwublog.com reports.
Amidst encomium and tributes, the burial of Madam Regina Okeke, witnessed presence of dignitaries including the who is who in Anambra State and Nigeria. It attracted members of the political class, members of various associations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, leaders at various class, friends and well wishers.
www.odogwublog.com reports that it was a burial cum cerebration of an accomplished woman who lived to the age of 110 years, a rare feat in a society where the life expectance for people has dropped drastically to 70 years.
The Okeke family described the life lived by their departed mother as an “accomplished mission.” They added that the death of their mother was “a celebration of a fulfilled and exemplary life that touched many people .”
They said the late mother lived a life of sharing and that inspite of the challenges she faced all through her life devoted her life to improving lives of people evident in her extraordinary health and strength to live over hundred years.
They also said late Regina, up till her death, remained a committed and dedicated Christian whose christian life was felt in the church, community and society at large.
Speaking to www.odogwublog.com, Clement Okeke, Mama’s first son, said the family would miss the motherly love and care and that her death has left a big vacuum in the family which no one can fill. “Mama’s love for us was very strong that the vacuum she left behind will be difficult to fill but we are consoled that already many blessings are manifesting in our family.
“As we bid her farewell today, we are repeating the promise we made to her and our late father that we will uphold the bond they entrenched in the family and maintain a strong united family that will never be divided by circumstances.”
Mama’s first daughter, Catherine Okafor, described late Mama as an astute businesswoman who used her business to train all her children in education to become ornaments in the society.
She said the late mother was a mother to all who merited the age she attained before her death. She noted that Mama was a loving woman who fought to ensure that her children lived in the best of conditions and would remain a role model to women and girls who want to live good life.
Addressing newsmen shortly, Mama’s second son and National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Mbuzu-Nanka said late mother was very peaceful, quiet and accommodating and that her care was second to non.
While he was thankful to friends, associates and well wishers who graced the occasion, he stressed that mama’s life was testimony that only God holds the key to the mystery of life and living. He said her life was filled with enduring legacies worthy of emulation.
In the same vein, Step son, Ndubeze Okeke, said mama would be greatly remembered for her selflessness. He said she lived a good life and that her accommodating qualities was not restricted to her children but others.
All progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the Anambra 2021 governorship election, Prof Chukwuma Soludo said late Madam Regina Okeke lived a glorious life and that the loss of the mother means a lot to the entire state.
The traditional ruler of Nanka community, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo alongside other traditional rulers in the state paid their heartfelt condolences to the family and urged them to maintain the good legacies of the departed mother.
Dignitaries present at the burial ceremony include: Anambra State governor Willie Obiano represented by the secretary to the state government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Lawmaker representing Orumba North in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Aforka, former chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate in 2019 general election, Mr Peter Obi among others.
www.odogwublog.com reports further that members of the Igbo apex sociopolitical group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo alongside its youth wing were all there in full as well as members of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU).
Earlier at the requiem mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Nanka, Fr Prof Anthony Chiegboka lauded the family for taking care of the the mother to attain age of 110 years. He reminded Christians that the greatest gift to the dead is not material thing but prayers for the soul of the departed.
Quoting book of Galacians 2, he said everyone would be remembered by the life they lived and the seed they sowed while on earth. He urged Christians to live exemplary life so as to be remembered accordingly at their demise.
The burial mass was conducted by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Okpaleke whose efforts and contributions to the growth of Ekwulobia Diocese was commended by Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Mbuzu-Nanka. Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor was also there at the funeral among hundreds of Priests,Sisters and Religious groups.
