By Obianuju Azukaego/Uchechukwu Molokwu/Juliana Nwachukwu
Tears and emotions were irresistible at the Secretariat of Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State as the remains of the founding Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of the local government, Late Sir. Sylvester Chukwuma Ezeokenwa was laid in-state for a valedictory session.
The Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, Chief Emeka Orji in his welcome speech said that the valedictory session was organised by his office to give honour to late Ezeokenwa, the father of the present National Chairman APGA, Sylvester Ezeokenwa (Esq) for his indelible marks he made in Anambra State politics.
He described the passing of late Ezeokenwa as a collasial loss of a patriach who succeeded in building a fortress of political consciousness and loyalty in the society.
Describing him as a winner, the Mayor said that the memory of the deceased will remain in their hearts as a good political father and mentor whose vision sustained the party till this moment.
Hon. Orji who spoke through the former Transition Local Government Chairman, Prince Emeka Onwuasoanya said that the deceased was not only the founding Chairman of APGA in the LGA but was the brain behind the acquiring and building of Onitsha South Secretariat as well as APGA State Secretariat. Awka.
The Mayor described their late leader as a Political Strategist who did not only build a political structure but has mentored a generation of political actors standing tall accross various speres of leadership and influence.
He however consoled the family and well wishers of the deceased, adding that he had fought a good fight of faith and finished his assignment well.
Earlier in his opening prayer, the younger brother of late Ezeokenwa, Rev. Fr. Ezeokenwa prayed for the repose of his brother’s soul while describing him as a visionary and peaceful person.
Also in her homage, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Nkemdiche Ikpeazu said that the late Ezeokenwa was her political backbone and motivation which has helped her to thrive in politics.
She described him as a passionate father whose memory would always remain in her heart.
In his speech, the Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Emeka Nworah extoled the visionary prowess and the humble life of the deceased, adding that he left an indelible legacy for his children and all.
Also in his remarks, the Deputy Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, Hon Onyebuchi Obi described the late Ezeokenwa as a motivational leader whose character should be emulated by all.
Also, the House of Assembly Member representing Onitsha Constituency 1, Hon. Fred Ezenwa said that the deceased lived a good life and urged his son, Ezeokenwa to maintain his father’s dynasty.
In his remarks, the Former Executive Chairman of Onitsha South LGA, Ugochukwu Ezeani (Esq), said that late Ezeokenwa was a man of peace and urged family and friends to ensure they pray for him and his family.
In his contribution, the Former Chairman of Onitsha South LGA, Chief Egbuna Achebe stated that the late leader was an impactful father who lived a life of emulation.
Also, the Speaker of Onitsha South House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Regina Udeogaranya described the late Ezeokenwa as a passionate father who left a great legacy in Onitsha South Community while praying to God to give his family the grace to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, Onitsha South APGA Chairman, Chief Chris Umeh praised the fatherly role of late Ezeokenwa, regretting how much all the party members in the state will miss him.
Also, House of Assembly Members, Hon. Chinedu Obidgwe, Hon. Jude Umennajiego and Ward Chairmen in Onitsha South LGA described him as an accomplished political leader worthy of emulation.
In his vote of thanks, the son of the deceased and the National Chairman APGA, Mr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa (Jr) thanked Chief Emeka Orji and other dignitaries present for the love and loyalty they showed his late father.
He said that his father lived a good life worthy of emulation. He promised to keep flying the banner his late father raised by following his footprints.
He however prayed for safe journey of everyone who graced the valedictory session.
The hight point of the programme was rendition of special hyms in honour of late Hon. Ezeokenwa.
- Azukaego, Molokwu and Nwachukwu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
