By Ingram Osigwe
All roads led to Umuezeabu, Ichi in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State recently as an industrialist and chairman of Ekulo group of companies, Chief (Sir) Emma Bishop Okonkwo (Ikenga Ichi) celebrated the life and time of his stepmother, the late madam Janet Nwanneka Okonkwo.
Chief Okonkwo whose Evans Nigeria Ltd, a subsidiary of the Ekulo Group, manufactures a range of household items and beauty care products, including the popular Eva and Hawaii soap variants, said his stepmother and matriarch of the Okonkwo lived a fulfilled, salutary and exemplary life hence he spared no cost to give her a befitting burial.
The deceased’s first son, Chief Ossy Akurienne Okonkwo, on his part, paid a glowing tribute to his mother, saying she was a mother in a million.
According to him, the family rolled out the drums to give his mother a grand farewell because she deserved it, having positively impacted on many lives while alive.
Chief Okonkwo rued that the late Mrs Okonkwo would be sorely missed by all those who knew her or came in contact with her. The burial, as contained in a press release signed by the Okonkwo family, attracted a cream of well-meaning Nigerians including the Labour Party presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, Chairman of Oronto Petroleum and a renowned philanthropist, Chief Arthur Eze.
Others who graced the grand event include Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director, Fidelity Bank, Senator-Elect for Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh,Chief Mike Nwaukoni (Iyasele Ogwasi), Chief Dennis Okafor (Chairman, Denca Services Ltd.), Chief Dennis Okafor of Ojoto, Chief Ezekiel Okeke, former President-General, Ichi town union.
In attendance also were Sir Chika Okafor (Chicason Group), Chief Joe Obijiaku (Middle point Ltd), Onowu Umudioka, High Chief Ben Amuta, Rtd Police AIG, Chris Ezike, Chief Emma Konnac Aniakor, Chief Joseph Momah (Ajose), Chief Gabriel Chukwuma (Gabros), Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innososon motors), Ogene Mbaukwu, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuka, Chief Joseph Okonkwo, MD Ekulo Group, Pharm Sam Ubachukwu (Nkpu Ogiliga), Hon Dimobi, Chief Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), HRH Gerald Mbamalu (Igwe Ojoto) and Engr Emeka Okwuosa (Oilserv Limited) Ebubedike Awka-Etiti, Sir IKB Igboanugo, Mr Emeka Nmeka, Mr Eze Amuchie and Mr Emeka Oramadike, Marketing Manager, Ekulo Group.
Also at the burial were all members of the Okonkwo family including, Chief Sam Okonkwo (Enyiagbaoso), Chief Sunny Okonkwo (Ikuko Oma), Chief Nathan Okonkwo (Ezeugo), Lady Ngozi Okonkwo, Mrs Abeji Okonkwo, Mrs Benne Nnoruka, Dr (Mrs) Nonye Okonkwo, Mrs Ukamaka Anierobi, Ifeatu, Emeka, Nnamdi, Kenne, Izuchukwu, Obiora Okonkwo, among others.
The guests were later lavishly treated to a sumptuous reception at the St James Anglican Church field.
Musicians like KCEE and Umu Obiligbo were on hand to thrill guests with spectacular performances.
The classy funeral with 1,500 capacity tent that kept all guests fresh and comfortable was managed by Dame Ngozi Ukachukwu and her World Class Event outfit.