FUNAI VC BURIES STEP MUM, SAYS SHE WAS ANSWERED PRAYER
For the Nwajiuba’s it was a painful and trying period as Mrs. Juliana Nneka Nwajiuba, the step mother of the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba was laid to rest on Saturday, July 1st. 2017 at Sir Jonah Nwajiuba’s compound in Umuezeala Nsu, Ehime Mbano, Imo State.
Remains of the late Juliana Nwajiuba about to be interred at Sir Jonah Nwajiuba’s compound while the VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (in white) watches
The late Juliana fondly called ‘NNE 1’ by family and admirers for her unreserved love, care and hospitable disposition to people was aged 68.
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba receiving the body of her late step mum, Lolo Nneka Nwajiuba
In a funeral service homily entitled “Are you Pursuing Greener Pastures or the Celestial City”, the officiating priest at St Mathew’s Anglican Church, Umuezeala Nsu, Rev. Osuchukwu noted that most people have abandoned their Christian faith in pursuit of the easy ways of life, adding that many have missed eternity in the process.
Drawing copious lessons from the book of Psalm 23, the Anglican clergy man decried the present penchant for greener pastures to the detriment of the celestial city which is the man’s main purpose on earth, stressing that the mad-rush for quick money have made many youths to throw caution to the wind, and in the process many have lost their lives cheaply.
Officiating minister, Rev. Osuchukwu speaking at the funeral service
He maintained that the present get-rich-quick syndrome among the youth has made many of them to travel tortuous routes in a bid to get to Europe and America, stating that many of them die daily trying to cross the Sahara desert and Meditarrean Sea.
He therefore admonished the youth and indeed all Christians to prioritize the pursuit of Celestial City instead of craving for greener pastures, which is ephemeral and does not take one to heaven at the end of life.
He also consoled the Nwajiuba family for the vacuum created by the death of their step mother, praying that God should give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Dr. Chinyere Nwajiuba paying the deceased, her step mother in-law, last respect
The Vice Chancellor of FUNAI and step son of the deceased, Prof. Nwajiuba in his speech noted that the late Juliana was an answered prayer.
“The lady that the remains is being committed to mother earth today is an answered prayer.”
The Vice Chancellor maintained that the woman was a blessing to the Nwajiuba’s family, assuaging the death of their mother with her love, hard work and peaceable nature.
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba speaking at the funeral church service of his step mum, late Juliana Nwajiuba
He further appreciated all those that attended the funeral ceremony for their support in their trying period, praying that the good Lord should replenish and favour them.
The funeral ceremony was graced by two members of the Nigeria House of Representatives, Honourables Idu Igariwe and Chike Okafor and other political heavy weights, traditional rulers, members of the academia, captains of industries and others.
Remains of Lolo Nneka Nwajiuba lowered in her grave
The FUNAI family was also duly represented. They were led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom and wife, Dr. Chinyere Elom and included the Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke and her husband, Barr. C.T Okeke, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Prof. F.X.O Ugodulunwa and Wife, the Director of General Studies, Prof. Christiana Ugodulunwa, and Deans, Faculties of Management and Social Sciences, and Education, Prof. Philip Omoke and Dr. Afam Icha-Ituma respectively. Others include, Director of Physical Planning and Works Services and wife, Dr. A.I Ezeocha, Director, Centre for Development Assistance Management, Partnership and Training, Mr. Chris Uwadoka, Heads, Department of Languages/Linguistics/Literary Studies and Department Biology/Microbiology/Biochemistry, Dr. Nnenna Nwosu and Dr. Chuma Okoro respectively, Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. Kinsley Oyekezie, Coordinator of VC’s Office, Bar. Grace Eze-Ali, Head, Legal/General Administration, Bar. Ogochukwu Onourah and other well-wishers.
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (in white) exchanging pleasantry with the DVC, Prof. Sunday Elom after the burial ceremony