FIC Report (Abia State) – It was a rain of encomiums as the remains of the foremost Royal Father and Traditional Head of Ngwa land, Eze Dr. Sir Bernard Onyenguzo Enweremadu , the Eze Ukwu of Ngwa Ukwu was laid to rest in his Ahiaba Okpuala – Ngwaukwu countryhome in Isialangwa North LGA.
Speaking at the funeral service conducted by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at Okpuala Ngwa Stadium, President Mohammadu Buhari described the revered late traditional ruler as a man of peace and custodian of culture. He noted that Eze Enweremadu served the state and nation in many capacities leaving a legacy of fairness and charity.
The President who spoke through the Minister of State for Mines and Steal Development Dr. Uche Ogah, maintained that the late royal father, exhibited charisma and remained faithful to the calling of his people till death and condoled the family of the deceased, his community, state and nation on the irreparable loss of the monarch.
Also speaking, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu pointed out that Eze Enweremadu is not dead noting that great men do not die. He assured that, Ndi Abia will not allow the name of Eze Enweremadu to die. Dr Ikpeazu asserted that the late royal father, carried himself with charisma, dignity and lived an upright and truthful life, adding that there are a lot of lessons to learn from his life.
In his remark, the former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Theordore Orji pointed out that the late sage brought honour and respect to the traditional institution, describing him as a pride to the Ukwa Ngwa and Abia people as a whole.
The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial Zone, Senator Enyinnanya Abaribe described the late Eze Enweremadu as an embodiment of the Ngwa tradition adding that his name will continue to live on.
In his tribute, The Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Ndubisi Nwabeke described the late Eze Enweremadu as a great Traditional Ruler per excellence whom the Ngwa nation held in high esteem, adding the Ngwa nation has lost a rare gem.
Preaching on the topic, “The Name Jesus”, the Anglican Bishop of Aba Diocese the Rt.Rev. Christian Ugwuzor who took his text from Philippians 2:9-10 said there are so many great names in the world, but there is one name above all other names which is the name Of “Jesus”. He emphasized that Jesus is the only name that can save from sin, protects in all circumstances and help in all situations and enjoined the bereaved family to hold on to Jesus at all times.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the Enweremadu family, the first son of the deceased and Commissioner For Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt Hon. Prince Christopher Enweremadu thanked President Mohammadu Buhari, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Members of the National And State House Of Assembly, Members of the State Exco, friends and well wishers and all for coming to join the family in bidding the foremost Traditional Ruler farewell and prayed God to bless them abundantly.
Aged 77 years, Eze Dr. Bernard Onyenguso Enweremadu, a Monarch of distinction who was born on 23rd November 1943, assumed the throne in 1976 at the age of 33 years and is survived by 14 wives and 77 children among whom is a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The ceremony attracted the presence of the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and his Wife, Lady Vivian, a former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha,Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Nkechi Nwogu and other Members of the National Assembly, the Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji, immediate past National Organizing Secretary of the PDP Col. Austin Akobundu Rtd, State PDP Chairman, Rt Hon Asiforo Okere, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Ndubuisi Nwabeke, and host of other Traditional Rulers among other distinguished Nigerians.
