Chief GNG last honours for his heartthrob, Felicia.
By Maurice Okafor.
The peaceful and serene town of Akpugoeze in Oji River local government area of Enugu State, on Thursday, September 30, hosted dignitaries from all walks of life cut across the clergy, Some members of the federal executive council, Some members of the national assembly, representatives of Enugu state government, Industrialists and personalities of different other categories.
Their tumultuous visit to Akpugoeze to join the families of Chief Gbazueagu Nweke Gbazueagu, popularly known as Chief GNG, and his in-laws in paying last respect to their late wife, daughter, mother and grandmother. late Mrs Felicia Ogochukwu Gbazueagu, who passed on to the great beyond on August 4, 2021, after a brief hospital in a London hospital.
In the series of events to accord her a befitting burial, friends of the family especially political associates of Chief Gbazueagu (GNG) from length and breadth of Nigeria carved out time from their busy schedules to join in her funeral services conducted at St Emmanuel’s Anglican Church, Akpugoeze, before the final interment at Chief GNG’s family home, Obinagu Akpugoeze.
The Primate of Anglican Communion in Nigeria represented by the Bishop of Udi Diocese, Rt Rev Aneke, in his sermon commented on Chief Gbazueagu and his late wife Felicia Ogochukwu Gbazueagu, for their numerous humanitarian services both to the church and the society. With words of consolation from the Holy Bible, he urged Chief GNG’s family and other relations of the deceased not to grief like those who half no hope. He said it was only God who knows why he called Felicia to rest at this time.
Quoting a verse from Psalm 116, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the Saints” Rt Rev Aneke who stood in for Primate explained those Christians who died in the Lord are resting in peace.
Led by the state deputy politicians, Industrialists,
The Chief mourner, Chief GNG, described her late wife as an epitome of love who at all times pardoned his weaknesses and never had reason to have quarrelled or exchanged words with him.
Chief Gbazueagu in his vote of thanks expressed gratitude to his various friends especially the serving politicians who carved out time to have left Abuja to join in the funeral service of his late wife. He commended the Enugu state governor, Hon Lawrence Ugwuanyi. Who was ably represented by his deputy, Hon Mrs Cecelia Ezeilo, t thee Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Ogbonnnaya Onu, for keeping to his words that he would come after the federal EXCO meetings?
He also commended Senator Chuka Utazi representing Enugu North Senatorial district in the National assembly, Hon Toby Okechukwu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the house of representatives and other serving politicians who joined in the service. Chief GNG also appreciated the coming of Rear Admiral Alison Madueke(rtd,), Minister of Solid minerals (State), Prince Uche Oga, among others who came from Abuja to join in the service.
Other dignitaries who were at the church service included former Ohanaeze President General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Dr Anayo Onwuegbu, the CEO/MD Anbeez Services ltd, Senator Ayogu Eze, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, Dr Joe Nwaorgu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, Dr Ben Etche, Hon Anayo Edeh, Dr Enukora Okoli, Hon Benson Eze and Comrade A.C. Ude, both chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu state chapter.
The funeral service of late Mrs Felicia Ogochukwu Gbazueagu was preceded with a service of songs at St Mathew’s Anglican Church, Maitama Abuja, held on Monday, September 23 and another at Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Church, Independence Layout, Enugu, on Wednesday, September 25.
