…Saraki, Obiano, Archbishop Okeke pay tributes
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
SENATE President, Bukola Saraki, Governor Willie Obiano and Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke were among the dignitaries that paid tributes to the late Chinedu Maxwell Oduah-Etoromi, son of Senator Stella Oduah, during his burial in AkiliOzizor, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday.
The burial mass, which took place inside the newly dedicated church chapel built by Senator Oduah in her country home, Buwasville Ogbaru, was attended by more than 100 Catholic priests and other clergymen from different denominations.
In a homily during the mass, the President of West African Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Rev.Dr.Martin Onukwuba, stated that death was not the end of life, but the beginning of another life.
Onukwuba noted that for those who don’t have faith, death was frustration and destruction, but for those who trust in the Lord and do His will, it was an entrance to a modern city filled with everlasting happiness which cannot be compared to anything in life.
Saraki, who was represented by Senator Dino Melaye, in a condolence message, described the late Maxwell as a shining star who God chose to take in his prime to avoid contamination in the world.
He described Oduah as an active senator who had proved his mettle in all national assignments. He prayed that the affliction of unceremonious exit at a young age would not happen in the family again.
Obiano, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, expressed sadness over the death of Oduah’s son, and prayed for better days both in Anambra State and Nigeria.
Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke represented by the Episcopal Vicar, Dunukofia Region, Very Rev. Fr. Theo Odukwe, said the late Maxwell embodied the positive traits, which endeared him to many people.
The Archbishop described Oduah as a woman in the mould of the late Chief Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and former governor Peter Obi, who took bold steps to fight for Igbo people when it mattered most.