The spirit of ecumenism played out, yesterday, as thousands of Nigerians across religious, political and ethnic affiliations converged on Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, to bid farewell to Ezinne Christian Obiano, mother of Governor Willie Obiano.

The funeral service, which was attended by about 40 bishops including 20 from the Catholic denomination and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, had the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke officiating the mass.

The vast St. Joseph’s Catholic Church field was filled. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was represented by  Minister of Interior, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Dambazau.

Other dignataries included Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Ben Bruce, Senator Ben Obi, Senator Annie Okonkwo, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Senator Emma Anosike, Chris Azubogu, Dozie Nwankwo and Senator Alphonsus Igboeke.

President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, former governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Chief Emma, Bishop Okonkwo, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, Chief Victor Umeh, Chief Chekwas Okorie, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, Chief Ernest Ndukwe and chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Mike Okiro.

Also, there were wives of governors: Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, Abia State; Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi, Enugu State; Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha, Imo State and Deaconess Flora Ajimobi, Oyo State. This was just as Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rita Maduagwu led the members of the House of Assembly.

The Etsu Nupe was represented by Rev. James Adama (Kuayekan Nupe) while other bishops at the ceremony included Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, Archbishop Christian Efobi and the Papal Nuncio to Island, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Okolo.

In his homily, the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Hilary Odili Okeke described death as a change of address, urging all to remember that they would die one day, hence, the need to prepare for death.

He said the late Mrs. Obiano lived a worthy life that is evident in his son.

Expressing displeasure at the rate corruption was eating deep into the nation’s fabrics, the bishop urged those in position of authority to desist from corrupt practices.

He urged the people to change, not just for political reasons, but change their attitude, saying: “We are invited to change the society by changing our attitude.”

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria commended the presence of former governor Obi at the event, saying it showed progress and reconciliation, which would bring greater development to the state.

He also commended Governor Obiano for his good relationship with all Christian denominations in the state which made the presence of the religious leaders possible at the event.

Speaking also, Gen. Danbazua described the late Christiana as a woman of uncommon courage and doggedness who devoted her life time for humanity.  

He said the late woman inculcated in her children good virtues that resulted in one of them, Willie becoming the governor of Anambra State.

Governor Obiano, in his tribute said his mother’s death was a big blow to him and the entire family and to all those who knew her in her business environment and the Catholic community.

 “My mum was a generous woman who gave out money, food, clothes and gold trinkets to less privileged.”

I will miss my mum, I am grateful to her for making me what I am today. I will miss her wise counsel, her prayers and her great sense of humour.”

He thanked those that contributed to the  success of her mother’s burial and prayed God to grant them journey mercies back home.