REPORTER: ISREAL ADEJUGBE
The Anglican Bishop of Awgu Diocese, the Right Reverend Dr. Benson Chukwunwike, has charged Christians to live lives that leave lasting legacies for which they would be remembered long after they are gone.
The Bishop gave the charge during the funeral service of Ezinne Lolo Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe, mother of philanthropist and community leader, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, whose remains were laid to rest at her country home, Enugu-Isu Village, Isu-Awaa, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The burial service, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark’s, Isu-Awaa Anglican Church, attracted a large congregation of family members, friends, well-wishers, dignitaries, and community leaders who gathered to thank God for a life well spent.
In his sermon, Bishop Chukwunwike described the late Ezinne Eunice Ibe as a devoted Christian, a woman of integrity, and a lover of truth who was passionate about giving alms to the needy. He emphasized that her life exemplified Christian virtues worthy of emulation.
Ezinne Eunice Ibe, a mother of eight, was widely known for her compassion, humility, and generosity, qualities that endeared her to many within and beyond her community.
Speaking on behalf of the family, one of her sons, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, described his mother’s death as a colossal loss. He eulogized her humanitarian lifestyle, noting that the distribution of food items to over 150 families drawn from 21 communities in Awgu Local Government Area was carried out to sustain the legacy of his late mother, whose passion was to ensure that the indigent always had food on their tables.
Emperor Ibe further pledged to continue supporting the growth and development of the Anglican Church in Isu-Awaa, in line with his mother’s lifelong commitment to the church.
Another son of the deceased, Uchenna Edwin Ibe, described his mother as a woman whose goodness could not be fully captured in words, adding that she would be deeply missed for her kindness and love.
In an emotional tribute, her granddaughter, Dr. Chioma Onuchukwu, described Ezinne Eunice Ibe as an amiable and compassionate personality whose warmth and generosity touched everyone she encountered.
The burial ceremony was attended by prominent personalities, including the Governor of Abia State, Chief Alex Otti; Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Senator Osita Ngwu; former Governor of Enugu State and Ambassadorial designate, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former PDP National Chairman, Chief Olisa Metuh; Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Political Matters, Chief Frank Anioma; Ike Obosi; former PDP Women Leader Peace Patrick; as well as representatives from Tanzania, Uganda, and other foreign countries.
Security was provided by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Army, DSS, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and local vigilante groups, who ensured safety and smooth traffic flow within and around the venue.
The outpouring of tributes and attendance at the burial underscored the enduring legacies of love, service, and compassion left behind by the late matriarch.
