REQUIEM MASS IN ENUGU
A panoramic view of the Umeoji's edifice in GRA
Of Maiduguri, Hon. Kashim Shettima; Cross River State's Gov., Sen. Liyel Imoke; Executive Gov. of Taraba State, Alh. Garba Umar; Executive Gov. of Adamawa State, Vice Admiral Murtala H. Nyako (rtd), CFR, GCON; Executive Gov. of Plateau State, Dr. Jonah David Jang; Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi, CON; Benue State Governor, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, PhD, CON; Katsina State Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, CON, Fnim; Kebbi State Governor, Alh. Sa'idu Usman Nasamu Dakingari; Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliya, CON, fspsp, FNAE; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Andrew L. Yakubu; Hon. Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, OON; Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Chinedu O. Nebo, fnse, oon, npom; Group Managing Director, Godwin Emefiele, Hajiya Bola Shagaya MON; Chairman, Forte Oil Plc, Femi Otedola CON; and an endless list of tributes from corporate organizations, churches and individuals. These outpouring of tributes further reveals to a large extent the courteous lifestyle of the deceased as it also offered some soothing relief to his loved ones. And on a lively footing, the one week celebration cruised in different and exciting stages with a soulful wake keep taking centre stage in Enugu. The high-spirited occasion was met with gratitude as everyone basked in the praise and worship session that saw friends and well wishers tapping their feets and clapping to the fine appurtenances of the rhythm-all in adoration to God. There was no telling, it was as though, the Heavens had instructed the earth to shine its beauty in glorious sunset-breathing life to the ceremony from the big blue skies to the calm and brilliant atmosphere; all made for an eventful wake keep to be remembered. Away from the wake keep, day two of the burial ceremony grew in strength and size as yet another hundreds of well wishers, friends and families gathered at the Enugu State House of Assembly for the lying-in-state. The march to the state house was led by Hon. Umeoji's first son who is also the Chairman of Aguata Local Gov140
Hon. Umeoji sure did live a fulfilled life being a proud father of eight children, who have all risen to sterling heights in their respective career and professions, with over 23 grandchildren as well, What more can one wish for?. He found all the love and happiness a man could ever seek in the arms of his (Universal Diamond), Lady Ngozi Umeoji. Their love knew no bound and one could easily feel their passion glowing stronger as the years past. ernment, Hon. (Chief) Chukwuma Umeoji. Thereon, the march further proceeded to Awka for the second lyingin-state after which they settled in Aguata LGA for the third lying-in-state, which was lively marked by carnival-like atmosphere and mild dominance of praise songs. The evening came calling as lights burned through out the night and the crowd still firmed up for the Service of Songs. One that was filled with fanfare. And so, the shining radiance of candle lights created a familiar feeling of love around Ezinifite and the moon spreading its face across the skies appeared to be a moment of joy that saw people eating, drinking and smiling with one true reason: the celebration of a life well spent. So then, not only did they treasure the sumptuous delicacies and choice wines, they were more pleased to have witnessed the fine and dramatic showpiece of African culture with a touch of creativity and finesse-a rather in-
teresting threatrical display of traditional richness. Joyfully, one could tell that Hon. Umeoji's burial ceremony gradually became a feast for the eyes and suggestive of regal banquet fit for a royal. The final day of the event, played out slightly different, surpassing with ease every inch of outcome that unfolded in the previous days. This time, the Umeoji's were stunned and breathless at the turnout of people that came far and near to witness the funeral of their doting father. To begin with the niceties of ceremonies, the first daughter of the deceased, Adaora took everyone by surprise as she gifted St. Andrew's Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel with a magnificent edifice. A token of appreciation she called it for their role in the life of their late father. With this offering, The Umeoji's have further proven their undying love for God. Similarly, their generosity is hardly surprising as they have made quite a number of humble donations to the up keep of churches in the past and this proves without doubts that Hon. Umeoji's children have learned a thing or two about giving from the master. A pretty rare feat if you consider this present time of ours. The ceremony further pitched its tent to the haven of holiness, the main auditorium of St. Andrew's Catholic Church where prayers were offered to the deceased. In a happy mood the procession led on as M.I.C Casket pall bearers gently rocked from left to right with the gold Italian casket. They went all the way to Ezinifite village where the remains of Hon. Umeoji was committed to mother earth. He was laid to rest in a well-built haven - worthy enough for a supreme icon. This time inconsolable tears broke out and eyes turned red seeing their father and friend take an eternal bow to the world beyond. Afterwards, condolence visits were paid to the wife of the deceased with words of comfort. The peak of the event played out when guests settled down to enjoy the well-prepared delicacies and choice wines. The Umeoji family showed that they were all well groomed as they celebrated their dad in grand style.