By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
Valentine Ozigbo, a former governorship aspirant for the Labour Party in Anambra State, has extended his condolences to Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Anambra State, and his family as they honored the memory of their late father, Chief Samuel Agunwa Odogwu, during his funeral in Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area. Ozigbo expressed that funerals serve as a reminder of our transient existence on earth and the inevitability of death.
“It doesn’t matter how old we eventually become before we die; what matters is how we live our lives. What legacy do we leave behind? Are we making our way to heaven? It is crucial for us to evaluate our lives to ensure that we will be rewarded in the end. And what will people remember us for? Are we being good to one another? This is a personal reminder for me,” he said.
Ozigbo acknowledged knowing the character of the late Chief Samuel Agunwa Odogwu through his son, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu. “I am here to join with his family, friends, and well-wishers to mourn and pray for the repose of his father’s soul. With the testimonies about his father, it is clear that he is resting in the bosom of the Lord. Living to the age of 86 is significant, and it is something to be grateful for.”
During the funeral service held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Amanuke, Ven. Dr. Reuben Okafor, the Archdeacon of Urum Archdeaconry, urged attendees to lead their lives according to God’s ordinances. He emphasized that everyone will have to answer for their lives before God on Judgment day.
“Always examine your life and avoid malice, backbiting, deceit, quarrels, and gossip against one another. Everything that God created is good and perfect; it is humanity that brings destruction to the world. Go to God for all your needs and challenges because He cares for you,” he said.
Ven. Okafor commended late Chief Odogwu’s children for their unity and for celebrating their father when he was alive. He encouraged them to emulate their father’s dedication to serving God.
Responding, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, the deceased’s first son and NUJ Chairman, expressed gratitude to everyone for their support during this difficult time. He noted that his father lived to the age of 86 despite suffering from illnesses for 20 years.
“My father suffered three strokes, each time managing to recover. His first stroke occurred in 1999, which threw him into a river, yet he survived. He also battled prostate cancer and faced death seven times before his final passing. I once told him that if he died at 70, no one would celebrate his life, but I thank God that he lived until the age of 86,” he shared.
Among those present at the ceremony were Labour Party Presidential Aspirant Mr. Peter Obi, members of the NUJ, representatives from various Unions at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, members of the Anambra State Council of Pensioners, and members of the Correspondent’s Chapel, among others.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
