By Innocent Onyeukwu
It was a gathering of who is who in the social, political and economic sector of the federation as men and women who have excelled in their chosen fields of human endeavour gathered at the family compound of the Oparaugo’s of Umuororonjo village in Owerri municipality to witness the funeral of Elder Dame Alice Nwawueze Oparaugo (Nee Okoro), aged 92 years.
The Imo State government in its condolence message signed by P.E Iwuoha for the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Prof Anthony Anwukah, said the loss of one’s mother is always painful and monumental, describing late Dame Oparaugo as a consummate woman, a philanthropist of note, peace loving and a devout Christian.
Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, who was represented by the Imo State ANPP Chairman, Orikeze Vitalis Ajumbe said the earthly life of Dame Oparaugo symbolizes altruism and exemplary service to God and man, stating that she devoted her time doing good and radiating true Christian virtues of love, hope, faith and charity.
In her condolence message to the family, the Senator representing Imo East Senatorial district, Senator Chris Anyanwu described her as a God Fearing woman who did everything to bring up her children according to the highest tradition of Igbos and equipped them with good virtues of life.
Echoing similar views, the member representing Orlu, Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency, Hon Jerry Alagbaso, said the death of Madam Oparaugo could be described as a celebration of life. The Federal Road Safety Corps in its condolence jointly signed by H.B Halilu (Sector Commander) and Njepuome k. Chris (State Co-ordinator) urge the Oparaugo family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.
Hon Ezenwa Onyewuchi, member representing Owerri Federal Constituency said Dame Oparaugo lived a life well spent, saying that her quality of works is reflected in the achievements of her children, urging the family to submit her passing away to the will of God who gives and takes away at His own appropriate time.
In his message, the SA, security to the Secretary to Imo State Government, Prince Jerry Anyiwo, said she lived a cherished and exemplary life.
In his tribute to his late mother, Mr. Amanze Oparaugo, described her late mother as a wonderful person. Part of the tribute read ‘I will always remember all you told me especially your advice to apply wisdom in all I do’.
Other dignitaries who witnessed the event include, former Owerri Council municipal Chairmen, Hon Vincent Ehirim and Hon Emma Odor, member representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon Ezenwa Onyewuchi, members of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Victor Mere, Hon Innocent Eke, President, Orluzurumee, Engr. Chime Nzeribe, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barr. Ken Njemanze, HRH Eze Udenwko, MD Udekings Electronics and Hon. Evans Mbata, Others are I.K Okoro, Barr Donald Amangbo, a U.S based attorney and Amanze Oparaugo’s roommate at UNIMAID, bank executives such as Mr&Mrs.Damian Chinwe, Onyebara, Mrs and Mrs Alex Ngozi Amangbo, Miss Nkechi Orji who are siblings of Ethel Orji the last daughter of Dame Alice Oparaugo
