President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late mother of Iyom Mrs Uche Ekwunifea of the House of Representatives, Madam Lucy Chinyere Ogudebe as someone who deserved to be emulated.
Also the Senate President, David Mark and Speaker of House of Reps, Aminu Tambuwal described the late Ogudebe family’s matriarch as a woman of strength and fortitude who brought her children including Mrs Ekwunife to become giants in their chosen careers.
President Jonathan who was represented by the Decretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Aniym who read out the president’s condolence message at the St. Barnabas Anglican Church Igboukwu yesterday, prayed that the Almighty God would give Ekwunife’s and Ogudebe’s families the strength and wisdom to cope with the pain of the loss of their matriarch.
For Mark, the children and others could not have asked for a more meaningful and pleasing life time, than that of Mama, who he described as epitome of honour and Christian values.In his sermon, the Archbishop Emeritus of Diocese on the Niger and Dean Church of Nigeria , Most Rev. Maxwell Anikwenwa, said that it was not how long one lived on earth but how well.He said that there was need for Nigerians to pray fervently to overcome the challenges facing Nigeria today and indeed, put Anambra State in the same prayers as the date of the Governorship Election draws close.In his own message, gov Obi noted that that though her loss was an irrepressible one to the people of Igboukwu, Anambra and indeed Nigeria , that having lived up to 84 years that Mama Ogudebe fulfilled all she intended to accomplish in life.“Though, we are mourning, but we are happy and grateful to God for the life Mama Ogudebe had lived on earth, describing her as a great instrument to her children and family.In her short speech, Ekwunife, who represents Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia Federal Constituency described her mother as a quintessential person.“We have been crying for two months and we can not stop crying, Mama loved us and we must continue to cherish her where ever she may be” Ekwunife said.Others at the Burial Ceremony yesterday included, Former Governors of Anambra Dame Virgy Etiaba, Sen. Chris Ngige, the Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 16 Election.Also, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, Former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Maurice Iwu, and former Deputy Governor of Anambra, Dame Stella Odife.Former Minister of Health, Tim Menakaya, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, Senator Andy Uba, Abia State Deputy Governor, Emeka Ananaba, Emeka Sibeudu, of Anambra State, the wife of Adamawa Governor, Halima Murtala Nyako, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Umehia, Labour Party Candidate, Ifeanyi Ubah.Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom State , Ebonyi were equally in attendance including Anambra State ’s Secretary to the Government, Oseloka Obaze among other dignitaries.
