Mrs. Obiano mourns stepfather
It was a sober mode last weekend as personalities within and outside Anambra State joined the wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, to pay last respect to her stepfather, Late Chief Sylvester Anyadioha Nwanoka.
The burial ceremony of Pa Nwanoka, who died at 82, took place at Nwanoka compound, Okwuzi Egbema, Onne Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, led the state government officials, as well as others dignitaries from Rivers State.
Among the entourage were the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke (Ugogbuzuo); the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and wife, Chief Sir Victor Umeh (Ohamadike Ndigbo) and Lady Prisca Umeh (Osodieme); members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu.
Others were Chief of Staff, Prof. Joe Asike and members of the State Executive Council; top APGA faithful led by the Chairman of APGA, Anambra State chapter, Chief Sir Norbert Obi;
the wife of APGA national chairman, Chief (Mrs.) Mary Oye; former Senator representing Anambra Central, Sen. Annie Okonkwo and top government functionaries as well as traditional rulers who gathered to honour the deceased.
Earlier in his homily, the South South Regional Coordinator and Overseer Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Port-Harcourt District, Rev Sylvester Itobeye, reminded Christians that death was inevitable and should always embrace God in their lives.
According to him, “Every man born of a woman must die and after death comes judgement.
“The life you lived will determine where you will spend your eternity. Therefore, embrace God and accept him as your personal Lord and Saviour,” Itobeye preached.
The pastor eulogized late Nwanoka for living a life of emulation and impacted on the lives of many who came in contact with him.
The Transition Chairman, Ekwusigo local government area, Anambra State, Hon Ofodeme Ikenna said Late Nwanoka lived a fulfilled life and had left various legacies for emulation.
While urging the family to take solace in God, Engr Ofodeme commended Mrs Obiano for her love towards Pa Nwanoka during his weak age.
John Ndu, Awka
