The remains of the late Mrs Matilda Arinze, of Eziobuikpa village Awa in Orumba North Local Government Area have been laid to rest at her husband’s compound.

 

Aged eighty-four, the late Matilda was an aunt to Chief Ambrose Egwuonwu, a business executive and major stakeholder not only in Awa community but in Orumba.

The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke who officiated the funeral mass at Saint Michaels Catholic Parish, Awa, pointed out that the deceased defended her faith in God, as she was a devout catholic, who housed seminarians and contributed immensely to the growth of the church in her community and beyond.

 

After the requiem mass, the remains of the late Matilda was interred after which condolences from friends, in-laws, age grades and groups followed.

The Member representing Orumba South at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Emma Nwafor, Transition Committee Chairmen for Orumba North and South, Sir Ogorchukwu Ekwueme and Prince Neville Uchendu respectively, said they came to commiserate with their friend, Chief Egwuonwu on the loss of his aunt, and urge the family to take solace in the lord, because death is an inevitable end.

For the Vice President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Dr Josephat Akabuike, Former Local Government Chairman, Old Orumba North and South, Chief Ben Oranusi and a former APGA candidate for Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Sir Eric Eze asked the family to build on her legacies and should never be disunited.

 

Responding , Chief Egwuonwu, said her aunt stood in for him at the most important time in his life when he lost his dad at the age of nine, while his mum was terribly sick, adding that the deceased was the only woman who changes his hardest decision and worked hard to sustain him, hence he cared for her during her lifetime and gave her a befitting burial.

Recounting his relationship with the deceased, Chief Egwuonwu used the opportunity to urge the people to emulate standing for people when it matters, most especially for children, while thanking his guests for supporting him.

 

The first son of the deceased, Mr. John Arinze and grandson, Mr. Chinedu Umelo described his mum and grandmother as peace loving and caring woman.

Others present at the ceremony were the Clergy, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Sir Nobert Obi and the wife of the Former Vice President, Mrs Ifeoma Ekwueme, among others.