The family of Okoli Aniude of Ngene Ugbo, alongside the entire people of Awgu Local government Area of Enugu state, friends, and well-wishers gathered on Friday, the 9th of May 20,25, to celebrate the life and legacy of a hero, Late MAJ. Edwin Okoli Anide( rtd) at Ngene Ugbo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Born in 1940 to the family of the late Mr Onaga Okechukwu Aniude, Late, Mej. Edwin, before his demise, was an educationist, a man of profound faith and unwavering devotion to Christ. he completed his Basic Education at the community school Ngene. After his secondary education, he enrolled at the Teachers College in Ihe, where he obtained his Teacher’s Grade 2 certificate.

Mej. Edwin Okoli was a member of the Biafran army during the Nigerian civil war in 1967. Thereafter, he was reintegrated into the Nigerian army as one of the few Members of the Biafran army who were absolved and integrated into the Nigerian Army, under the then Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction program.

The funeral ceremony of Mej. Okoli Aniude began with a burial service by the Savior apostolic church, Oweli, in collaboration with the Ugbo Believer’s Association, with an exhortation by Prof pastor KC. Ekwe.

This was followed by the commitment of his body to Mother Earth by the members of the Nigerian Army.

In a heartfelt tribute to her dear husband, Mrs Angela E. Aniude reflected on the positive impact he created in her and their kids, with emphasis on his passion and motivational approach to human capital development. Mrs Aniude, however, prayed for eternal peace upon his soul.

Speaking in an interview with UGAMATV, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Aniude, the first son and the Chief mourner, discribed his father, as a man of God, a great and upright man who left a lasting legacy in their lives, Mr. Ifeanyi, then urged his siblings to keep up with the legacy he left behind, as he expressed optimism that he is in a better place.

Miss Hosannah Mmesoma Okeafor, a granddaughter of late Mej Okoli, paid an emotional tribute to her grandfather, reflecting on the beautiful memories they shared while praying that his sacrifices never go in vain.

Mrs. Ijeoma Okeafor, the first daughter of the deceased Mej, described her father as a loving educationist and a visionary man with passion and devotion to the work of Christ. Mrs Okeafor admonished the rest of her siblings to keep up with the peaceful legacy of their father.

Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Aniude also reflected on the life and time of the Mej, her father, remembering him as an educationist and a devout Christian. Mrs Ngozi then expressed her profound love for her father, as she prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

For Mrs. Onyiyechukwu Aniude, a daughter-in-law to late Mej. Okoli, the virtue of Christianity stood out amongst all of his attributes, She reflected on his strong devotion to Christ and his peaceful nature as she prayed for the family to emulate and maintain his legacy.

Mourners from all Parts of the country trooped in in their numbers to pay tribute to the great man of distinction.

The celebration of the life and time of the iconic Mej. Edwin Okoli Aniude was a testament to his 85 years of exemplary service on earth, and the strong affection and profound love he attracted from people courtesy of his selfless devotion and love for others.