By Iheanyi Enwerem
The Governor of Imo state, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma has challenged every individual to live an impactful life, ensuring a lasting legacy in the society that will be remembered when the person is no more.
The Governor gave this admonition on Friday, after the funeral mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Umueze 1, Ehime Mbano local government area of the state, on behalf of the late step-mother of Chief Tony Chukwu, Lady Catherine Chukwu (Ada Zion), who was aged 63 and had her remains committed to mother earth after the funeral mass.
“In Mama’s 63 years, she impacted the society, served God and humanity with priced dedication.
“She made many vital contributions to the church, was very dedicated to the work of God and rendered service with humility.
“Ada Zion was God-fearing, peaceful, a Christian mother who loved and cared for her family and others. .
“We had wanted her to stay more years with us but God decided otherwise and she could not help but yield to the will of God”.
Represented by the State Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru PhD, the Governor commended the productive relationship the deceased’s illustrious step son, Chief Tony Chukwu has maintained with the State’s Government, making reasonable contributions to the development of the state.
The Governor while commiserating with family urged them to mourn with the faith that their beloved mother is resting at the bosom of the Lord.
The homilist, who is one of the sons of the late Lady Catherine Chukwu, Rev. Fr. Jonas Chukwu, in his sermon, noted that death is a fate for all humans and that it doesn’t give notice about his coming, hence, everybody must be prepared for it.
As he reflected on the life and time of his late mother, the priest described his mother as a good woman, while sharing the sentiments of Mary and Martha when their brother Lazarus died, remarking that it is normal for Christians to mourn their loved ones but must do so as people who have faith in resurrection, stressing that every mortal belong to God.
The funeral mass was however, conducted by the Bishop of Okigwe Catholic Diocese, Very Rev. Solomon Amatu.
Engr. Francis Chukwu in his vote of thanks, expressed his profound gratitude to all those who came to commiserate with the family, especially, Governor Hope Uzodimma, for standing with them at this time of pain and grief.
He further commended the Governor’s capacity building, trusting the youths in the state with leadership responsibilities, including himself, who has worked in different capacity with the shared prosperity administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Some of the dignitaries at the funeral service were; the husband of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, the Senator representing Imo North, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, the Senator representing Imo West, Senator Osita Izunaso, the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Imo State Head of Service, Mrs Chikodi Emenalom, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operation) to the Imo State Government House, Barr. Sydney Agbo, Imo State Expanded Executive members, top brass of the Military and Paramilitary, Bishops and Clergies, Traditional Rulers, Business men and women, Captains of Industries and numerous others.