By Ukpa Ewa
The remains of Late Mrs. Nwanneka Cecilia Ekwunife (nee Okeke) of Umuogbu Village, Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area, has been laid to rest. She was aged 55 and until her death, served as the Head of Stores Department at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Anambra State.
Speaking during the funeral service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka the Administrative Assistant to the Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, Prince Chuma Oranye, who preached on the topic : “That I May Know Him” reminded the congregation of the importance of building a personal relationship with God, saying, “you may be in the church without knowing the shepherd of the church or even recite Psalm 23 without truly knowing the shepherd.” He urged everyone to live a Christ centered life, adding that death is a path everyone must one day tread.
Describing the deceased, Ven. Oranye eulogized Mrs. Ekwunife as a “missionary per excellence” who loved God and cared deeply for the less privileged. He said that she left behind a legacy of practical christian living worthy of emulation and prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest.
Addressing her husband, Mr. Charles Ekwunife, Head of Development Control Unit, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ven. Oranye encouraged him to remain strong in faith. He noted that although the couple shared a “perfect match” in love, God’s will must be accepted.
In his tribute, the Head of Transport Unit at COOUTH and Chairman of Omambala indigenes in the hospital, praised Late Mrs. Ekwunife as an energetic and committed member of their community. “She was someone we could not afford to lose, but God knows best,” he said. He recounted her active participation in community activities, even while on maternity leave, and expressed pain over her sudden demise.
He also said that the Omambala community plans to set up a foundation to support the baby Mrs. Ekwunife left behind.
The burial ceremony was well attended by dignitaries, including the Managing Director of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko and the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Joe Akabuike, alongside colleagues, friends and family members who came to pay their last respects.
Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
