30/07/2017
*Prince Dr Henry Okafor Buries Step Mother In Grand Style Amidst Fanfare*
The General Manager of Imo State Housing Corporation, Prince Dr. Henry Okafor, the Lion of the Oil Kingdom has joined his elder brother HRH Eze Franklin Cajethan Okafor and the good people of Ossemotor autonomous community to celebrate the worthy life of Late Mrs Joy Uzoamaka Okafor who was laid to rest on Friday.
The requiem service which was supervised by Rt. Rev Chijioke B.N Oti, Bishop Diocese on the Lake of the Anglican Communion Oguta, attracted large number of condolers and well wishers who came from far and near to comfort the family. Rev. Bishop Oti prayed for the Bereaved and encouraged them not to be dampened in spirit by the tragic loss but rather accept the passing of their matriarch as the ultimate will of God.
In his touching funeral oration, HRH Eze Franklin Cajethan Okafor (aka Ejiamatu) went down memory lane to eulogize the good deeds of his step mother, Late Dr Mrs. Joy Uzoamaka Okafor (Née Ebokosia). In one instance, Eze Ejiamatu recounted how Née Ebokosia had put herself in harm's way to save him from potential danger. According to Eze Ejiamatu, shortly after the end of the Nigerian Civil War, pandemonium had broken out around Oguta Lake area and people were running away to safer grounds. His biological mother Dee Maria (of blessed memory) had come to the house to extract him but the barricades of soldiers around their compound prevented her from reaching the house. The soldiers were not moved by the cries and emotional appeals of his helpless mother who thereafter resigned to fate unsure of what would happen to her six month old baby. But out of nowhere, his step mother appeared with him. Unknown to the soldiers, Née Ebokosia had sneaked into the compound undetected owing to her dexterity leading to his extraction to safety.
In his own tribute, Prince Dr Henry Okafor lamented that death had wrestled from their hands an excellent mother, a truly great, virtuous, religious and courageous woman, whose worth was far above jewels. Prince Dr Okafor in nostalgia, reminiscenced how Née Ebokosia tended to his father the Otacheraoha (1) (of blessed memory) throughout his long detention in prison and was quick to fill the large vacuum created by the exit of his biological mother Dee Maria with her immeasurable love and useful counsel.
Prince Dr Henry Okafor was before the interment presented with a knightly sword in conferment of an honorary membership of Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) of the Anglican Communion. We recall that Late Dr. Mrs Joy Uzoamaka Okafor until her death, was a very active member of KSC of the Anglican Communion.
Late Mrs Joy Uzoamaka Okafor was committed to the mother earth even as a cross section of the grief-stricken crowd remained inconsolable.
Dignitaries and everyone who came to the occasion were given warmest of reception. Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Chief Ugwumba Uche Nwosu who represented Imo State Governor His Excellency Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha urged the bereaved family to take heart and be largely comforted by the good legacies of their parted heroine.
Former Secretary to Imo Government, Chief Sir Jude Ejiogu and Former Deputy Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Pharmacist Ozoemena also offered their individual heartwarming condolences. A proud host of royal highnesses from TROMPCON (Imo State Chapter) was present. A high powered delegation from Nigerian Navy Headquarters was also in attendance with their sympathies.
Other VIPs who were present at the occasion included Hon. Henry Ezediaro, Member Representating Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. K**a Nwauwa, Imo NDDC Commissioner Designate, Hon. Jones Uzoka, ISOPADEC Chairman Designate, Hon. Sunny Chiadi, Immediate past TC Chairman of Okigwe LGA, Hon. Chris Oguoma, APC Zonal Chairman in Owerri Zone and his counterpart from Okigwe Zone Chief Onweyiagba, Prince Chijioke Madumere (elder brother to Imo State DGov), Hon. Felix Ubah, ISOPADEC Commissioner, Lady Mrs. Theresa Ohanuba, Imo APC Woman Leader, Hon. Casmir Ohamara, APC Chairman Oguta LGA, Deacon Donald Igbo, Engr. Peter Nwachukwu and Mr. Modestus Okeke of Eco Bank Nig. Ltd and a delegation of Imo State Housing Corporation among others.
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