BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday joined other Nigerians to commiserate with his Special Adviser on Inter-Party Matters, Sen. Ben Obi over the death of his younger sister, late Prof. Josephine Anagbogu.
Jonathan, who was represented by Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, expressed sadness over the loss at the burial ceremony of the deceased in Awka.
He described Anagbogu, who died on May 16, as a woman who served God and humanity in her endeavours.
“On behalf of my family, myself and the federal republic of Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt condolence to the family.
“I pray God to give the family the strength to bear the loss and pray for the repose of her soul.”
In his message, Obiano who regretted the early exit of Anagbogu at 56 said that the family should accept what has happened as it was the will of God.
In his homily, the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rt Rev. Alex Ibezim called on Christians to be conscious of their lifestyle in order to make heaven.
He described Josephine as a loving mother who believed in God throughout her life and prayed God to grant her souls a perfect rest.
The Bishop, who described death as a necessary end, however identified three categories of death; physical, spiritual and eternal death.
According to him, Physical death is what humans pass through after birth; it does not respect boundaries.
“No matter the position you occupy, it cannot prevent you from dying. Many prominent leaders like Nelson Mandela have died, and their position did not prevent them.
“Whether you are a traditional ruler, a governor, rich or poor, death is necessary at a particular time.
“On spiritual death, many are alive today but are separated from God. I urged people separated from God to rebuild their life and transform into living beings,” he said.
Speaking on eternal death, the cleric said, “It is the duty of the church to prepare members from going into eternal death.”
He prayed for the transformation of those who are suffering from eternal death for God to renew their lives.
Present at the funeral were several eminent Nigerians including; Sen. Chris Ngige, Monarch of Awka, Igwe Gibson Nwosu, the deputy
governor of the state, Dr Nkem Okeke, Prince Arthur Eze, Sen. Annie Okonkwo and many others
