By George Ozalla
Ndudirim S. Iloka
The road into Amankwo, Inyi, in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, was busy with visitors on Thursday as relatives, friends and associates arrived for the burial ceremonies of Ezinne Augustina Ananyenwa Obi (née Maduakor), mother of the wife of Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
It was a fairly sunny day, despite the rainy season. The road climbed a little at some points and came down again, with green vegetation on both sides. Along the route, the coal mining area was visible, its dark earth contrasting with the surrounding greenery.
People arrived from Abuja, Abia, Enugu and other places to join the Ogah and Obi families in mourning the 82-year-old matriarch.
A service of songs had earlier been held at her residence in Enugu before the family moved to Inyi for the remaining burial ceremonies.
The Thursday activities in Amankwo continued with a social wake keep which stretched into the early hours of Friday, lasting until about 2am.
Three live bands took turns entertaining the guests. There was music, dancing and conversation as relatives, friends, in-laws and associates sat together, exchanged greetings and remembered Mama.
People from different walks of life attended the burial to identify with the Ogah and Obi families. National Assembly staff, siblings, relations, in-laws, friends, associates and other important dignitaries were among those who came to pay their respects.
By Friday morning, attention had turned to the Requiem Mass and burial.
The Mass was held at St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, Amankwo, Inyi, close to the deceased’s home.
In his homily, the officiating priest urged the congregation to live righteous lives and leave behind a good legacy for which they would always be remembered.
Speaking about Mama, he described her as a great teacher who taught many people and treated several of them as her own children. He said she loved and cared for many people during her lifetime.
The priest also urged the congregation to reflect on the kind of lives they were living and the memories they would leave behind, noting that Mama’s years as a teacher had enabled her to touch many lives.
The Secretary to the Imo State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, was present at the Requiem Mass and spoke briefly during the ceremony. He urged those present to reflect on their journey here on earth and thanked everyone who came to give Mama her last honour at the age of 82.
Senator Uche Ekwunife also attended the burial and joined other guests in paying her respects to the family.
Dr Samson Uche Ogah, elder brother of Hon. Amobi Ogah, attended the ceremony with his wife.
In-laws, relations, friends and associates also made condolence visits, with some arriving in groups and others coming individually to offer words of sympathy and spend time with the family.
After the interment, guests returned to the reception venue where the families received visitors and served a wide selection of local and international dishes, alongside assorted drinks.
At one corner of the venue, Master Noodles brand staff were busy preparing and serving hot, freshly cooked noodles to interested guests as they arrived at the reception. The noodles were served as an appetizer before the main menu, with guests stopping by for a hot plate while the reception continued.
The Master Noodles stand drew attention as the staff prepared the noodles fresh and served them to guests. It added another touch to the hospitality provided at the reception, which also featured a variety of dishes and drinks.
Music and different dances continued during the reception as guests relaxed after the interment. In-laws, relations, friends and associates exchanged greetings and spent time with members of the Ogah and Obi families.
Some of those who attended had known her personally for years, while others came through their relationship with her children and the wider family.
Mama was the mother of Hon. Ogah’s wife and a member of the Obi family. Her burial brought the two families, their relatives, friends and associates together to give her a final farewell.
After the reception, guests continued to visit the family before departing for their various destinations.
The funeral ceremonies are expected to continue with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, when the Ogah and Obi families will gather again.
Mama was fondly remembered during the Mass as a teacher who taught many people, cared for others and treated several of those she taught as her own children.
