By: Nwanma Ogidi
Dignitaries from all walks of life including top government functionaries from both federal, state, and local government, and the clergy stormed Umuokirika, AhiazuMbaise local government area of Imo state, the country home of Dr Martins Nwoga to pay their last respect as he bid his Mother Ezinne Victoria AkwaugoNwoga farewell.
The funeral mass was held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Umuokirika, celebrated by, the newly ordained Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Bishop Simeon OkezuoNwobi.
Her interment started with a procession by his family members, titled men and associates followed by the Catholic Bishop of AhiaraMbaise Diocese, Bishop of Okigwe, Rev. Fathers and Rev. Sisters.
The mass officiated by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments, Simeon OkezuoNwobi assisted by the Bishop of Okigwe Diocese and other monsignors and priests lasted for over three hours.
The homily sermon centered on accepting the will of God at all times no matter how bitter the circumstance might seem to be. The Catholic Bishop reminded Christians that life will end one day, urging them to strive to embrace eternity.
The family and friends of the late Ezinne Victoria AkwaugoNwoga were encouraged to take the death of Mama as the will of God.
Dr Martins, Speaking after the mass held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Umuokirika, EkwerazuAhiazuMbise Local Government Area of Imo State, on Friday.
While describing his late Mother as someone who had a fulfilled life, Martins extolled his late mother saying she died a “staunch” member of the Catholic Church.
Dr. Martins said that the family aims to encourage the celebration of the living, stressing that people should emulate his mother’s good virtues.
The former USA returnee turned politician appreciated everyone who came and honored their late mum. He also thanked everyone who joined in the ceremony
Meanwhile, Rev. Father Las Nwoga, speaking with the WakaAbout Africa media team, said their mother lived a legacy life and would remain the light of the community because she served the people diligently.”
Father Nwoga who is Mama Akwaugo’s second son and also a USA Force, praises his mother “My mother will be remembered as a caring and generous person, she left a legacy of strength, perseverance and optimism.
EzinneAkwaugo, while alive helped a lot of people and attended her morning mass and other church activities regularly. She hardly changed in whatever she believed in. ‘I call on everyone to pray for her and emulate her many good attributes”, Father Las said.
In her tribute, Rev. Sister Anthonia recounts how many times she calls her mother daily and the sweet names that echo from her mother’s voice; “NwaNwa Mu’, NwaAmuru Amu’. She said, ‘ Mama, no more calling you to hear these two names again, who will be showering me every day and night with prayers again”, she questioned.
The late EzinneNwoga who passed on at age 95, was survived by six children, fourteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, one brother, one sister and numerous relations
Mama “Egoigwe or nnefada as family and friends fondly call her, has gone to be with the Lord. The matriarch of the Nwoga family was a devoted and praying woman.
Testimonies show that Nnefada Las Nwago embraced life with unwavering faith and love for all she encountered.
Ezinne Nwoga was born in 1928, into the family of late PA John OgokoNwachukwu and late Madam EnyidieOgoko of UmuajuMpam in AhiazuMbaise LGA, Imo State.
Being the 4th child of ten children, she grew up as a devoted member of the Mary League which means she modeled her life after our Blessed Virgin Mary. Her lifestyle, beauty and tender nature earned her the pet name “Akwaugo” meaning precious Egg.
She carried herself with honor and dignity which helped her to live a simple and humble life. She got married in 1950 and was blessed with ten children six are still alive.
While still a devoted Christian, she accepted the calling of her son, Very Rev. Fr. (LT COL) LASERIAN NWOGA (USAF), and daughter Rev. SR. AnthoniaNwoga into the Divine ministry of the Catholic Church.
Nne Fad Las, EzinneAkwaugo, was nick-named ‘Community Bank’ due to her generosity and special contributions to the community and the church.
Some of the people who spoke to the Waka About Africa Media including the HRH Eze Dom Okoro, EzeOkirika, HRH Eze Eddie AnyanwuEze, EzuoMbu, UmuezuoUmuokirika, HRH Eze SP Iwu, OmeudoUgwuMba 2nd of Umuokirika, HRH EzeMasicleIheme, EgwuNte of UmuEzegwuIhitteUboma and President General of Amano Obohia, MaziOkechukwu Kenneth Ogidi, asked the family to sustain their late Mother’s legacy of hard work.
Dignitaries from all works of life attended the funeral ceremony including Bishops, Rev. Fathers, Rev. Sisters, Political class and a galaxy of friends and sympathizers.
The high point during the burial was the presence of different traditional dancers, masquerades and music displays including the popular OmenkaAriaraEzeEgwu 1, performed at the event.
Her remain was later laid to rest in her husband’s country home at Umuokirika after the church service.