By Chinwendu Uzoatu
The remains of Late Dr. Raphael Udeoye Uzoezie (Nwata na-azo onwe ya) has been laid to rest in his hometown Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
His burial ceremony can best be described as a carnival of some sort. It attracted a lot of personalities from within and outside the state.
The Pontifical Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Igbo-Ukwu was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Eberechukwu Cardinal Okpaleke and numerous priests.
In his homily, he reminded the people of God to bear in mind that death is a passage to eternity.
He said: “For a Christian, death is a friend, it helps us to reach our destination. What is constant is faith. Even if there are challenges, remain focused.”
He described Late Dr. Uzoezie as a man of faith, who remained focused till the end. He commended him, as well as his wife, Dr. Ego Uzoezie for sponsoring the training of five Catholic priests because, as he said, they knew that there’s gain in spreading the gospel.
Cardinal Okpaleke further urged the family to keep their father’s legacy. “We pray with you and for you. God will give you the grace to persevere,” he concluded.
The parishioners of Annunciation Catholic Church, Awka, as well as those from Arch-Bishop A.K Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Centre, Okpuno in Awka South Local Government Area testified that the Late Dr. Ralph Uzoezie was a genuine Christian and a practicing Catholic.
Also speaking, the Parish Priest of Annunciation Catholic Church, Awka, Rev. Fr. Ralph Agbanu stated that he knew Dr. Uzoezie even before meeting him as a parishioner in Annunciation Parish. He said: “Dr. Ralph Uzoezie was my teacher in seminary. He taught me English Language. He is consistent about himself and what he does. Despite his softness, he believed in discipline. He was a man of his words. I miss him for his qualities, we continue to pray for his happy repose.”
Fr. Agbanu also described the wife of the deceased, Dr. Ego Uzoezie, as somebody that worked with all her heart as former C.W.O. Diocesan Director who is very open handed to welcome people.
On his part, Senator Victor Umeh, OFR, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, described Dr. Ralph Uzoezie and his wife Dr. Ego Uzoezie as a model couple whose unity and mutual support were instrumental in the wife’s distinguished career in education, governance and church. He therefore urged the family to honour their father’s legacy
by preserving the love and unity he fostered.
He said: “Sir Raphael was a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering support to his wife and family. His life was one of inspiration and his memory should continue to guide and uplift those he left behind.”
Late Uzoezie’s wife, Ego, referred to him as his best friend, mentor and model.
In a tribute to the 81-year-old Patriarch, his first son, Rt. Hon. Ikem Uzoezie (Ikeoha), a former member of Anambra State House of Assembly, described him as a mentor, teacher, guardian and role model, stressing: “You lived a life of uncommon humility, humour and simplicity despite your many accomplishments. You taught me, my siblings and indeed everyone around that greatness is not measured by wealth or position but by the values one instills in others and the positive impact one leaves behind.
He promised, by God’s grace, to uphold his father’s legacy and make him proud.
In a beautiful poem, one of his sons, Sir Engr. Kelvin Uzoezie pointed out forthrightness, fairness among others as some of his father’s virtues.
His daughter, Adauzoh Joe-Obasi, extolled her late father for using his skills and gift to touch many lives.
Dr. Ralph Uzoezie was a rare gem, a man of substance and integrity. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. His legacy will be evergreen.
Some of the dignitries and groups that attended the burial included the former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, under whose administration Dr Ego Uzoezie served as Commissioner for Women Affairs, H.R.H. Igwe Alexander Ejikemeuwa Azike (Idu III of Igbo-Ukwu) and his cabinet, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Igbo-Ukwu Development Union, Awka branch, Papal Knights and Medalists, Old Awka Diocesean Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Ekwulobia Diocesean Life Members, among others.
