Encomiums, As Late Eld. Nwaka, father of Ikwuano Mayor Returns To Mother Earth… You’re exceptionally different; your memory won’t be forgotten… The Church wails…Read emotional tribute
All roads led to Agbommiri-Itunta, Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, yesterday, Friday, December 22, as the remains of the late father of the Council’s Mayor, Mayor Osinachi Nwaka were laid to rest.
Famousreporters.com reports that the glorious transition of the renowned lover of God took place on the night of Monday, September 18, 2023, at age 89, following a protracted illness.
Speaking at the ceremony which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, the Executive Governor, Dr. Alex Otti OFR, who was represented by the Abia State House of Assembly representative for Ikwuano State Constituency, Hon. (Engr.) Boniface Isienyi, described death as an inevitable phenomenon.
The Governor further described the Chief mourner, Mayor Nwaka as a friend all and a true lover of humanity.
He urged the Mayor and the entire Nwaka’s to take solace in God’s words, noting that, “we share with you in your grief but death is something that must come to every man and you’re the one to bury Papa and not the reverse”, he said.
In his remarks, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Sen. Austin Akobundu also described death as a natural occurrence which, according to him, must come to everyone.
Akobundu who was represented by Hon. Prince Obinna Okey fmr. Commissioner for Inter-Governmental Affairs Abia State, reminded Mayor Nwaka of the need for the latter to bury his late father and not the reverse.
“Your father is not supposed to bury you but you ought to bury him; your elaborate celebration of your father both when he was alive and in death is a proof that you represent seven men in one man.
“You have proven that you are truly a man and a true lover of his father. Keep fit, our dear Mayor and be consoled, you and the entire family of Nwaka”.
Earlier in his homily, the presiding Minister, Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Okoro, the District Superintendent, United Church of Christ, who drew his anchor scripture from the Holy Book of Genesis chapter 6:26, urged the people to turn a new leaf, regretting that the wickedness of man had multiplied beyond imagination.
The clergy enjoined the people to repent of their sin and return to God, lamenting that the iniquity of man which made God repent of creating man has deteriorated.
“The wickedness of man has become consistent.Today, a brother is no longer interested in the success of his brother. There’s greed and jealousy everywhere. God is asking you to repent.
Continuing, he said: “my brother who is lying in State here has given me a message for you and I am here to deliver it. the world we live in is not eternal so we must all repent of our sins and serve God, in order to avoid a repeat of the calamity of the days of Noah”.
Describing the deceased as a man who feared God in his lifetime in spite of his old age and a lover of mankind, he beseeched the congregation and the entire people of Ikwuano to emulate the former, adding: “God says I should tell you this: let’s live the issue of wickedness and do the right thing so we’ll have a reward in heaven.
“Our elder who died at a very old age, lived a good life which we must emulate. Today, we’re talking about him so wherever you are, live a good life, a life that reflects the image of Christ, because on the last day, we’ll all stand before the judgement throne and give account of our life on earth.”
Meanwhile , a member of the family in his testimonies about the deceased described the late Elder Nwaka as a loving and magnanimous man, who would stop at nothing in putting smiles on the faces of all around him.
“He ensured that every member of the family acquired sound education despite the odds.
Also, one of the sons-in-law has this to say:
“When I married his daughter, I saw in him a true father. He was a father who lived an exemplary life which all of us must strive to emulate”, he concluded.
Similarly, a member of the church who spoke on behalf of the entire church, described the deceased as a renowned preacher of the gospel of Christ.
“He loved and served God even at his old age. May God bless his soul. He was a very humble and peaceful man who would always resign to God’s will apologise in times of dispute with whoever.
“Elder Nwaka laid a very good Christian foundation for both his children, the entire family, church and community. May God bless his soul and console the family and his loved ones. Amen”.
Meanwhile, among dignitaries at the event were the some prominent sons and daughters of Ikwuano and State executive members.
In their heart melting tribute the church described the deceased as a motivator, a role model, a rare personality, adding”you are exceptionally different”.
“Daddy, you refused to be discouraged and distracted, you keep pressing forward till aboth day. Senior Elder Mark, your legacy is there and will remain forever in our Church, the United Church of Christ, Itunta Circuit. Your memory will will not be forgotten as days pass by; our prayer is your soul will rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
