…. As Deputy Governor celebrates 20th anniversary with Okoroafor family over demise of parentsÂ
The Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called on families across the state to embrace unity, noting that united families live peacefully, preserve strong family ties, achieve greatness, and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
The Governor made this call on Saturday at St. John’s Anglican Church, Umunumo, Mbano, during a memorial thanksgiving service in honour of late Sir (Chief) Kenneth Nwaokorie and his wife, late Lady Victoria Okoroafor, according to a statement issued by Dr. Uzopuo Charles Nnamdi, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor. The late couple were the parents of Dr. Chidiebere Okorafor, Chief Executive Officer of Ebere Links Petroleum, and parents-in-law of Barr. Jerry Egemba, the Imo State Commissioner for Mines, Industry and Solid Minerals.
Governor Uzodimma, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, described the late Sir Kenneth and Lady Victoria—popularly known as Ochiriozuo and Iheomadiniru respectively—as exemplary individuals who truly lived out the meanings of their names through love, care, and service to humanity.
He noted that their legacy would endure through their children, who have remained peaceful, united, and committed to preserving the family’s values and heritage.
“The unity in this family is obvious and commendable. It is only united families that achieve greatness and contribute to societal development,” the Governor said.
He therefore called on families across the state to uphold peace and unity as a foundation for preserving family bonds, promoting progress, and building an impactful society.
The Governor also expressed admiration for the Okoroafor family, particularly Dr. Chidiebere Okorafor and Ebere Links Petroleum, for their contributions toward capacity building in the state, and encouraged them to sustain their good works.
He prayed God to continue to grant eternal rest to the souls of late Sir Kenneth and Lady Victoria, who passed on 16 and 4 years ago respectively.
In his sermon, the Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Okigwe South Diocese, Rt. Rev. David Onuoha, challenged leaders—including political office holders, civil servants, religious leaders, captains of industry, and traditional rulers—to use their positions to serve the people and not only their immediate families.
He stressed that leaders must seize every opportunity to positively impact those they lead in order to promote shared prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Chidiebere Okorafor presented his ten siblings—seven men and three women—and expressed profound gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and all who came to honour their late parents. He prayed that they would also receive support, comfort, and favour in their times of need.
Dignitaries at the event included the husband of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency (Chief) Barr. Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN; the retired Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province and pioneer Bishop of Okigwe South Diocese, Rt. Rev. V. C. Nwokoro; and many other distinguished guests.