By Cynthia Sylvia
A large gathering of mourners converged on Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State on Thursday as the family of Uche Geoffrey Nnaji held funeral rites for their matriarch, late Mrs Monica Nnenna Nnaji, drawing sympathisers from within and outside the state.
The burial activities, held at Sacred Heart Parish, Akpugo, were marked by a solemn atmosphere as family members, associates, community leaders, and well-wishers assembled to pay their last respects to the deceased, who was widely described as a woman of faith, discipline, resilience, and strong commitment to family and community.
Proceedings began with a wake-keep on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, followed by a Catholic Mass officiated by the Bishop of Enugu Diocese alongside priests of the Catholic Church. In their homily, the clergy urged the family to uphold the values for which the late Mrs Nnaji was known, particularly her dedication to raising her children with strong moral grounding and a sense of responsibility. They noted that her life reflected sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family.
The burial Mass held on 20 March 2026 attracted dignitaries from different parts of the country who came to commiserate with the family. Immediate family members, including her children, were present throughout the ceremonies, receiving condolences from sympathisers who came to identify with them in their moment of grief.
The late Mrs Nnaji is survived by four sons, including the former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, and Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, a member of the House of Representatives representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency.
The event drew a cross-section of prominent personalities, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; members of the National Assembly; chief executive officers; traditional rulers; bishops from the Methodist and Anglican churches; and residents of the community, reflecting the standing of the Nnaji family.
Traditional rites and cultural displays formed part of the burial activities in line with the customs of the Nkanu people, as groups and individuals took turns to pay homage in honour of the deceased.
Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had extended condolences to the family, describing the late Mrs Nnaji as a woman of strong values who raised her children with discipline and dedication, noting that her legacy would endure through their contributions to society.
