All road led to St. John’s Catholic Church, Owelli, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu state on the 26th of November as all and sundry came to condole with the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Awgu, Most Rev. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, as he buried his mother, Late Ezinne Janet Ekedimma Nwanediya Okoye (Nee Onuoha).

The burial which was held in his home town saw the attendance of so many dignitaries, politicians, bishops of other dioceses including Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Former governor of Anambra state Peter Obi, Toby Okechukwu and many others as they were present at the mass to hold the Bishop up during his time of grieve and to also pay their last respect to his mother .

The late Ezinne who died on the 23rd of October at the age of 96 after a brief illness brought by old age was said to have given birth to six children, including Bishop Okoye before her demise.

In a tribute to the Bishop and his family, Ekweremadu encouraged him to take heart stating that Ezinne’s loss was a grave loss tot only to him and his family, but to him and his other well wishers.

Adding that he was glad she left the earth at the ripe age of 96, the lawmaker said, “she was also bequeathed laudable legacies that will keep memories of her fresh on our minds. Moreover, she will always be remembered for raising an illustrious son as you, who has continued to be a willing tool in the hands of God rendering sterling service to mankind.

“I join you in celebrating an icon in her own rights for a life well lived and I pray for the peaceful repose of her soul. While praying for God to grant you fortitude and grace as you grapple with her loss, please accept my esteemed regards”, he said concluding.

The Deputy Minority leader who was also present at the funeral to show his support for the family didn’t also hesitate to show his readiness to be of help to them.

Describing Ezinne as a virtuous woman with laudable qualities, a fervent Christian whose life reflected peace, he said, “the loss of a parent is a painful experience despite the age but be consoled in the fact that God blessed mam with a long life of impactful living surrounded with her family and loved ones.

As we mourn her demise, I pray that God grants you and your family the fortitude to bear the loss”, Okechukwu said.

Some notable figures who were also present at the funeral includes Chief Nnia Nwodo; the Chief Whip of Enugu State House of Assembly and member representing Awgu North Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Jane Eneh; the member representing Awgu South Constituency, Hon. Johnson Chukwuobasi; their Aninri counterpart, Hon. Chinedu Otaka, and the Chairman of Awgu LGA, Hon. Pedro Nwankwo.

Religious leaders were also ably represented as The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Valerian Maduka Okeke, Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji, Bishop Callistus C. Onaga of Catholic Diocese of Enugu; Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah of Nsukka Catholic Diocese; Bishop John Ebebe Ayah of Uyo Catholic Diocese; Bishop Solomon Amanchukwu Amatu of Okigwe Catholic Diocese; the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo, and the Anglican Bishop of Awgu/Aninri of the Church of Nigeria in the Province of Enugu, Bishop Benson Chukwunweike were all present at the funeral event.