By Chizoba Njaka
Late Chief Okechukwu Celestine Ekwem, popularly known as Igwe Press of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Ibughubu, Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The burial ceremony took place on November 5, with the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ibughubu, Umuchu, Rev. Fr. Francis Michael Okechukwu Enyisiobi, urging Christians to live exemplary lives, remain committed to their faith and leave lasting legacies through their actions.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Enyisiobi emphasised that spreading the Kingdom of God was not the responsibility of the clergy alone but a collective duty of all Christians. He encouraged the faithful to support one another, uplift those experiencing difficulties and demonstrate their faith through practical acts of charity.
He noted that Christianity should be reflected in the way people live, stressing that the greatest challenge was not receiving baptism but remaining faithful to its teachings. According to him, Christians should be more concerned about their personal relationship with God than seeking public recognition or merely satisfying the expectations of their congregation.
The priest also stressed the importance of the Eucharist in the Christian faith, describing it as the foundation of Christian life. He lamented that some people had turned places and activities meant for spiritual growth into social gatherings, warning that the house of God must remain holy and dedicated to worship. He challenged Christians to examine their lives regularly and ask whether their conduct genuinely reflected the character of God. He further condemned injustice, dishonesty and the celebration of evil, maintaining that anyone who supports injustice equally shares in its consequences.
Rev. Fr. Enyisiobi urged the faithful to remain committed to God’s work, resist evil and prioritise the salvation of their souls over the pursuit of miracles and material benefits. He also encouraged them to embrace healthy and righteous living while alive, noting that people must demonstrate their commitment to God through their everyday actions.
Describing the late Chief Ekwem as a dedicated and committed Christian, the priest recalled his service as Secretary of the Parish Council, noting that he discharged his responsibilities with diligence, determination and devotion. He urged the congregation to emulate the deceased’s commitment to the work of God and his dedication to his vocation.
He observed that although working for God could be challenging, it required patience, honesty and charity, warning against individuals who saw positions of responsibility in the Church as opportunities for personal enrichment. The priest urged everyone to reflect on the impact they were making in society and the legacies they would leave behind, stressing that Christians should strive to become shining examples of God’s love through their conduct and service to humanity.
He encouraged Catholic faithful to emulate the life of the deceased by remaining steadfast in their faith, participating meaningfully in the life of the Church and building legacies worthy of remembrance.
In his condolence message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, described late Chief Okechukwu Celestine Ekwem, as a dedicated and committed journalist who discharged his professional responsibilities with zeal and integrity, never compromising his principles throughout his time in Anambra before relocating to Port Harcourt.
Comrade Odogwu prayed that God would continue to guide, protect and provide for the bereaved family, granting them their heart’s desires. He also urged them to preserve and sustain the worthy legacy of their late father.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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