By Paschal Candle.
UMUERI- The Ancient city of Umueri in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State played host to a spectacular celebration of life as A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress and Former National Auditor of the Party, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma, bid a grand farewell to his beloved Father-in-Law, Sir Vincent Chukwuma Okoye who transitioned to glory at the age of 80 years Old.
Nobody makes lovely corpse. But Late Sir Vincent Chukwuma, the Father-in-Law of Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma did. Even in death, He cuts a perfect portrait of loveliness and humanity at its finest. Few people get to transit from being utterly indispensable to “eternally unforgettable.” A good Father-in-Law does. Like the brightest daffodil amid a bouquet of flowers, He exudes enviable humaneness even in his wake.
Like a renaissance artist intoxicated by the muse, His Son-in-Law, chose to paint beautiful and everlasting pictures in memory of his Father-in-Law. Like tiny droplets that precede the hammering rain, the guests meandered into the rustic ambiance of Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State. But unlike the proverbial rain droplet, each guest loomed large in reputation and acclaim thus making the assemblage a gathering of nobles, political and industry titans.
They had all travelled from United Kingdom, United States, Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, Markudi, Awka, Onitsha to the Umueri in honour of the Okoyes and Chukwumas. Thus on December 22, 2023, Umueri literally stood still as the crème of Nigeria’s high society thronged its rustic neighbourhoods to attend the grand ascension of Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma’s Father-in-Law ascension to the afterlife. Expectedly, it was a star-studded event.
The burial ceremony, marked by opulence and style attracted a collage of creme de la creme in business, government and social circles including The Secretary to Federal Government, H. E. Senator George Akume, National Chairman of the APC, H.E. Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo state, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Senator Representing Anambra North Senatorial Zone, Dr Tony Nwoye, Hon Nze Chidi Duru, Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC Chairman South East Zone, Senator Ifeanyi Uba. Senator Representing Anambra South, Hon Peter Anaekwe, Member Representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Sir Basil Ejidike the Chairman of APC in Anambra state and some members of the SWC, H.E. Elijah Onyeagba, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, Hon Lawerence Ezeudu, Hon Smart Okafor, Hon Tim Ifediorah, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Odu Olisaemeka Onyeka, Hon Raph Okeke, Hon Chinedu Elumuno, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Ifeanyi Ibezi and many others.
The occasion also had in attendance all the Catholic Bishops in Anambra state led by Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke and many Reverend Fathers.
The people of Umueri woke up to witness the grand procession of Sir Vincent Okoye’s funeral. The commemorative events included a solemn Funeral Mass at St Mary Catholic Church, Umueri followed by an interment ceremony at His Compound. As Culture demands, a cluster of associates and friends who attended the church service still joined Sir Paul Chukwuma and his family to celebrate the late Sir Okoye At funeral site.
The pinnacle of the celebration unfolded at the Country Home of Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma, where a grand reception were held for the guests.
In His remark, Chief Sir Paul Chukwumasaid, “No doubt I would choose him again to be my Father-in-law, again and again. He was the sweetest Father-in-law you could ever ask for, I am still yet to recover from his loss even though we have now buried him. He was the epitome of courage, selflessness and service to humanity, everyone who knows him can attest to his impeccable character. He was a good Christian who loved his Creator through his service to mankind. I am thankful and appreciate all of those who came here and those who sent their goodwill messages to celebrate My Father-In-Law’s transition to glory,” he said.
