The remains of a renowned medical practitioner and the Pioneer Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Professor Okechukwu Mbonu have been laid to rest at his compound in Umudioka Village Awka, Awka South Local Government Area.

 

The funeral ceremony witnessed the gathering of personalities who came to pay their last respects to the fallen medical icon.

Professor Mbonu, who died at the age of eighty-four had his early education and medical training both in Nigeria and abroad, England and Canada and was formerly a teacher at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka before transferring to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where he became a Professor of Surgery and deepened his practice.

 

During a funeral service held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, which had the church filled to capacity by dignitaries cut across different social strata, also had in attendance the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, the retired Bishop of Isiukwuato, Umunochi Diocese, Right Reverend Sam Chukwuka, Bishop Martin Anigbogu and numerous Priests.

In his sermon, Most Reverend Ibezim noted that the late Professor Mbonu elevated medical practice during his active career and used God’s gift in ministering to the people together with the humility he exhumed, praying for the repose of his soul, urging all to use God’s gift to serve Him.

 

His second son, Mr. Chukwuneye Mbonu explained that his Father was a man of many parts, as he was intellectually gifted, socially radiating and selfless in kindness.

The President Council of Knights, Awka Diocese, Professor Emma Ezenwaji, described the deceased as a devout Christian, while an Awka based business executive, Chief Lawrence Nwosu described the late Professor Mbonu as a complete gentleman.

 

A friend of the deceased, Professor Samuel Ohaegbulam a neurosurgeon, revealed that their friendship started in 1972 abroad, as Late Professor Mbonu was a simple man, who contributed immensely to medical practice and urged the family to emulate the legacies of their Father.

 

In the same vein, Professor Clifford Nwanna, the Rector Renaissance Polytechnic, Mbaukwu and Professor Frank-Collins Okafor, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emphasized that coming from Awka, Late Professor Mbonu was a role model to them and many, helping in community leadership and offering scholarships to the people, while Professor Sanda Nwafor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University revealed that the departed was thorough bred professional, who made wonderful contribution to the medical profession.

The funeral ceremony was also attended by Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour, medical practitioners, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other dignitaries who came to pay their last respects and condolences to the deceased family.