By David Okpala/ Stella Okpala
The Chaplain of St. Martins Welfare Home, Igboukwu, Rev. Fr. James Michael Okpalaonwuka, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for raising the standard of road infrastructure in Anambra State, describing him as a “paragon” in that sector of governance.
Fr. Okpalaonwuka gave the commendation on July 20 while speaking with information officers shortly after the burial Mass of his 6-year-old grandnephew, Master Chijindu Vincent Okpalaonwuka, at Agbelu Village, Akpo, in Aguata LGA.
The cleric, who is an immediate family member, noted that while the Soludo administration has performed well across all departments, its achievements in road construction stand out.
“Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has done well in every department of governance, yet could be described as paragon in the area of Road Infrastructure. We are in support of his government and we keep supporting, yet to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
He, however, urged road users to exercise extreme caution despite the improved roads. Reflecting on the May 31 accident that claimed Chijindu’s life along the Umuchu-Amesi-Uga Road, the priest said about 80 percent of accidents could be avoided through careful driving and obedience to traffic rules.
“Good roads are blessings, let us rejoice using them than weeping. Speeding to the point of losing control of the vehicle is counter productive. Obedience to traffic rules is not in the interest of government but in the interest of road users. You are doing it to save your life and those of others,” Fr. Okpalaonwuka added.
He also warned against driving under the influence of intoxicants, including prescribed drugs like malaria medication and paracetamol, to avoid drowsiness while driving.
The burial followed a tragic accident on May 31, 2026, at the Amesi axis of the Umuchu-Amesi-Uga Road. Chijindu was walking with his mother, Mrs. Kosisochukwu Okpalaonwuka, and two younger brothers, Chiledomanya, 5, and Chinuruekperem, 3, when a vehicle rammed into them. Chijindu died on the spot, his brothers sustained severe injuries, while their mother lost her left leg.
In his homily during the burial Mass, Rev. Fr. Ikenna Okpalaji Priest in Residence at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Nanka, said death is a lesson to the living. He described the gap between life and death as “as lean as sewing thread” and called on Christians to live lives that positively impact others.
“Nobody will take anything away from this earth at the point of death. So, acquisition of wealth at the detriment of others is wasting of time and energy, hence it will all be left here,” he said.
The Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Akpo, Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Ubah, and members of the Umuokpalagbagosi family were appreciated for their support to the bereaved family.
Late Chijindu’s grand uncle, Mr. Alex Okpalaonwuka, thanked all who stood with the family from the time of the incident till the burial, noting their prayers, encouragement, and material support.
David Okpala and Stella Okpala are of the Ministry of Information Value Reformation, Anambra State
