Archbishop emeritus of the Abuja Catholic archdiocese, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has urged Nigerians to live in manners that would be impactful to humanity so they could be remembered and emulated when they are no more.
Speaking at the Service of Songs for late former governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife as part of the final burial programmes over the weekend, Onaiyekan said people should live upright lives and prepare for their last days on earth.
“Like Saint Paul in the bible, we should be able to say at the end, I have ran the race, I have kept the faith, all that is left for me is the crown of glory which the Lord the just judge will give me”, the cleric stated.
Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life were at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, venue of service of songs for the late Ezeife (OKWADIKE Igboukwu), organized by the Ezeife National Burial Committee led by former governor of Enugu state, Okwesilieze Nwodo and coordinated by the Salvation Army Church where the late icon worshipped.
Encomiums have continued to pour for the late Dr. Ezeife as Igbos from all walks of life also gathered at the Valedrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja at the weekend to bid him farewell.
In his speech, chairman of the Ezeife National Burial Committee and former governor of Enugu state, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, regretted that Okwadike Ndigbo, Dr. Ezeife died at the time he did, adding that the best way to honour him was for leaders of Ndigbo anywhere they found themselves to lead courageous and simple life as exemplified by Ezeife’s lifestyle.
“As we mourn our own Okwadike, let us remind ourselves that death is an inevitable end and live lives that will impact humanity that we will be remembered for when we leave this world. Okwadike lived a life that we are all proud of today, so I admonish you all to imbibe such lifestyle for the benefit of those we will leave behind at death”, he said.
Others who spoke at the event tagged “Life and Times of Okwadike include the Eze ndigbo Abuja, Dr Uche Egenti, Eze ndigbo Ghana, Dr Chukwudi Ihenetu, the Coordinator, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Augustine Amaechi who decried the death of the iconic elder statesman who they said lived for others.
