IWOBA FAMILY BURIES MOTHER IN GRAND STYLE
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By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
The big wigs gathered in Aguleri yesterday, Friday 18th August 2023 for the burial of Late Mrs Victoria Iwoba ( Madam Anaeliaku), Mother of Fabian Iwoba (Nnanyelugo). To say the burial of the mother, who passed away at Immaculate heart hospital Aguleri was befitting would amount to stating the obvious.
Before the burial, the vigil mass for the former Head mistress and a Catholic church women leader had taken place on Thursday, 17th August, 2023 at her compound in Umunnoke Ivite Aguleri Anambra East local government Anambra State. In attendance were the late woman’s children:
Hon Chief Fabian Iwoba (Nnanyelugo)
Mrs Fina Ekwealor (Ada nnia)
Chief Martin Iwoba jr
Chief Ignatius Iwoba
Mrs Ethel Onwurah
Mrs Chinelo Igwe
Chief Hilary Iwoba ( World Bank)
Mrs Ekene Oforbuike
Mrs Ijeoma Nchekwube
Mrs Ogochukwu Ezeamadi
Mrs Angela Ezeasor as well as her in-laws and grandchildren.
The burial activities commenced with her children, family members and friends converging at the immaculate heart Mortuary, Aguleri for a long procession to St Francis Catholic church Ivite Aguleri.
Mrs. iwoba lived a life of purpose. She was a teacher, mother, grandmother and a friend to many. Though her demise came to many as a shock, but mama was indeed a virtuous woman.
She was loved by the people of Aguleri town and her sterling straightforward, honest, trustworthiness and kindness distinguished her among her peers in the town.
Dignitaries from within and outside Anambra state joined the Iwoba family to bid Mrs Victoria Iwoba goodnight.
She passed away at the age of 71 leaving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
There was a funeral service held at St Francis Catholic Church, Ivite Aguleri, where the Bishop of Aguleri catholic Diocese, His Lordship Bishop Isiguzo described the late Madam Anaeliaku as a dedicated catholic member before her demise, with important personalities from all walks of life in attendance.
Hon Fabian Iwoba described the death of his mother as monumental, saying that a great void has been left behind as Mama was a phenomenal personality who cared for everyone around her and beyond, especially family.
“We are heartbroken but surely not mourning as Mama lived a great life which epitomised the kind of life any ordinary Christian should lead.
One of Mama’s children, Mr Hilary Iwoba( World Bank), also described her late mother as a model for Christianity, adding that she was an embodiment of love, care, spirituality and that Aguleri would miss her.
In a tribute to his mother in- law, Mr Pius Aniegboke Nchekeube described his late mother in law as a good mother that cared for all.
He said she was a mother of all mothers in view of her love and kindness to all her children, all her in-laws and the members of her community. Ogbuevi Igwe Enu ka Ana prayed to God to give the soul of his late mother- in- law eternal rest.
Some personalities that attended the event were :
The traditional rulers in the persons of HRM Igwe Dr Mike Idigo, HRH Igwe Lawrence Nwofia, HRH Igwe Johnson Mbanefo, Former commissioner works Anambra state Chief Marcel Ifejiofor, Former Federal house of representative member Chief Chriscato Ameke, former chairman Anambra waste management agency Chief Amechi Akorah, former chairman Anambra East local government area Hon Pius Ifeadi, Akajiofor Chinwuba, Onwa Eri, Chief Hyacinth Nwakacha, Chief Sunday Chidozie, Chief Tony Oli and a host of others.
Highlights of the occasion was a highlife music by Ayaka Ozubulu,Obi Salisali, 50 cent, St Francis band group and other traditional musicians.