NKWELLE EZUNAKA, Anambra State – In a solemn gathering filled with notable figures, Valentine Ozigbo, the respected Nigerian business leader and 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate, attended the funeral of Late Ezinne Grace Udefi Obimma, mother of Rev. Fr. Chibuzo Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muo Nso).
The burial Mass, held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at St. William’s Catholic Church in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi LGA, Anambra State, was officiated by His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, with Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh delivering the homily.
Speaking to journalists after the funeral mass, Mr. Ozigbo expressed his deep condolences to the Obimma Family saying, “I am here to stand by my friends as they bury their mother, Ezinne Grace Udefi Obimma (Ochiora, Mama Fr. Ebube Muo Nso), a cherished soul.”
“Ezinne Grace Obimma was a beacon of unwavering strength, wisdom, and love. Her legacy lives on through the values she instilled and the lives she touched. May her soul rest in the perfect peace of Christ,” he added.
Ezinne Grace Udefi Obimma, who passed away at the age of 88, is survived by seven prominent sons, including Chief Andrew Obimma, Hon Charles Obimma, Hon Dr. Victor Obimma, Chief Anthony Obimma, Sir Bartholomew Obimma, Hon Sir Vincent Obimma, and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, along with daughters-in-law, many siblings, and seventeen grandchildren.
The Catholic clergy were well represented, with His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka; Most Rev. Michael Elue, Bishop of Issele Uku; Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, Bishop of Abakaliki; Most Rev. Martin Uzoukwu, Bishop of Minna; Rev. Fr. John Bosco Okafor, Vicar of Onitsha Arch Diocese; Very Rev. Fr. Kalistus, Parish Priest of St. William’s Catholic Church; Fr. Okunaerere from Nsukka; and hundreds of other priests in attendance.
The funeral was attended by a host of dignitaries including, HE Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate; HE Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State; Sen. Victor Umeh, representing Anambra South; Hon. Paul Chukwuma; Hon. Osita Chidoka, a former aviation minister; Hon. Charles Odunukwe; Prof. Kate Omenugha, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University; Chief Joseph Ebere EzeOkafor, Founder of Jezco Oil and his son, Josephat ‘Jowizaza’ Ezeokafor; Barr. Sly Ezeonwuka, National APGA Chairman; Emmanuel Emenike; actors Chinedu Ikedieze and Nkem Owoh; and Lady Ọnụ Uba, International Coordinator of Doctors of the Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry.