–As People From Different Parts Of Nigeria Pay Tributes To “Ife Okija“.
By Okwy Joseph Ejezie.
The first Pharmacist, Dr Mathias Chidi Anohu produced in Okija has been committed to mother earth in his home town, Umuezedam, Ubahu, Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The burial/funeral ceremony took place on Thursday, 1st May, 2025. He died at the age of 85years after meritoriously serving government and people of Anambra State, as Honourable Commissioner and Permanent Secretary at different times.
In a pontifical mass officiated by Bishop Martin Uzoukwu of Catholic Diocese of Minna, the christians were reminded that death is very close to each and everyone of us, yet it is hidden from us. Bishop Uzoukwu stated that one day in the house of the Lord is better than thousand years elsewhere.
His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Martin Uzoukwu further stated that late Chief Dr Mathias Chidi Anohu prepared for his death. He therefore advised christians to always prepare for their death because it will surely come one day.
The God’s shepherd reminded christians that there is no need to think that tomorrow will be better if we don’t prepare for the betterment of that tomorrow. He also enjoined the people of God to begin to free themselves from things of the world. He continued, “the more you attach yourself to the things of the world, the more you detach yourself from God”.
Hon Emeka Anohu, who represented Ihiala 2 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015 and also represented Ihiala Federal Constituency in the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019, and the second son of the deceased, described his late father as a disciplinarian, a man of truth, integrity, and also a man who believed in equity and justice.
Hon Anohu also stated that his late father mentored and helped a lot of less-privileged. Odenigbo Okija as he is fondly called by his political associates said that philanthropy and truthfulness are two of his father’s sterling hallmarks. He therefore advised people to live righteously because nobody knows when he or she would die.
In his words, “if you clean up your mind and soul, and begin to live the ways of the Lord, you are sure of being somewhere when you go”. He concluded by saying that his father had already immortalized himself in his offspring. And every other things he believed in are in his children.
Hon Ikem Surplus Ewuzie(Akaeze Okija), who is also the Vice-chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Anambra South Senatorial Zone, described late Dr Mathias Chidi Anohu as a philanthropist par excellence and one of the custodians of culture and traditions of Okija. He prayed to Almighty God to grant his immediate family and Okija people the fortitude to bear the loss and also the strength to fill the vacuum his demise has created.
Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (Enyioha) in his condolence message described late Dr Mathias Chidi Anohu as the first in Okija to bring light in every aspect of life endeavours. He prayed to God to console his wife and children. And also advised Victor, Chinelo, Emeka and others to live together in peace as siblings so that it will be well with them in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Mr Ifechukwu Livinus Obiorah (Danfo), who lives in Jakarta, Indonesia stated that the second son of the deceased, Hon Emeka Anohu is his God father, who assisted him to become successful in life. He also prayed to God to grant Anohu family longlife and more prosperity.
Dr Daniel Chukwudozie, Chairman of Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited stated that to the best of his knowledge, late Dr Mathias Chidi Anohu lived a very good life and was a very good man. According to him, Dr Anohu was an honest person that lived a life worthy of emulation.
Aku-Udo Okija prayed to God to guard late Dr Mathias Chidi Anohu’s family and give them the grace to live a life people can emulate like their father.
Dignitaries at the burial ceremony were Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, Senator Smart Adeyemi, Dr ABC Orjiakor, Engr Otis Anyaeji, Engr Paul Erinne, Hon Chuma Nzeribe, Chief Basil Ejidike, Prince Benson Oraelosi, Hon Golden Iloh, Hon Engr Anayochukwu Charles Orjiakor, Dr Dozie Ikedife Jr, Chief Nwabueze Umeh, Mr Stanley AJC Okolie and others too numerous to mention.
