Issele-Uku the administrative headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State was agog over the weekend as the remains of late Mama Patricia Ugochukwu Okwudi, the Matriarch of Okwudi Family was finally laid to rest.
The remains of the late Matriarch was interred on Friday at the Okwudi family Compound located at 210 old Lagos-Asaba Road, Ogbeowelle quarters, Issele-Uku.
The interment followed immediately after a consecrated funeral service held at the Issele Baptist Church, Issele-Uku.
The funeral service, officiated by a team of Baptist Ministers led by Rev. S. S. Ejeogwu was attended by the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu, a member of the National Executive Council of the Peoples Democratic Party and member of the State Advisory/Elders Council, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Chief Barrister Ada Josephine Kachikwu who also is a member of the State Advisory/Elders Council, the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Ngozi Lawrence Okolie, the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Engr Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government and Director General Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, the former Majority Leader of the State House Assembly, Chief Hon krees Njiokwuemeni and some members of the State executive council that included Dr. Daniel Odinigwe Odigie.
Also in attendance was a former member of the State Executive Council, Chief Emma Eboh, the Executive Chairman of the State Waste Management Board, Chief Emma Chinye, the State Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Hon Deacon Joseph Otirhue, the First member of the Commission, Chief Mrs Ibrude, the Chairman of Fidelity Group of Companies, Prince Ibe Ozoma, the National Executive Council members of NULGE led by the National President, High Comrade Akeem Olatunji, State Executive Council of Nigeria Labour Congress led by the State Chairman, Olorugun Goodluck Oforbrukwu and the former State President NULGE and Former Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Olumami Oyibor
The immediate past Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon Kevin Okwechime, His Oshimili North counterpart, Hon innocent Esenweze, Acting Chairmen/Heads of Personnel Management from the 25 Local Government Councils, members of the State Executive Council of NULGE, Delta State led by the Deputy State President, Comrade Obatarhe Ogberetitinor, Treasures of Councils from the various Local Government Councils in the State were also present at the ceremony.
Also in attendance was the representative of Delta State in the PDP South South Executive Committee, Deacon Chuks Nwaebuni, Executive of PDP, Aniocha North led by the Chairman, Dr Charles Ochei and Executives of Team Smart for Okowa led by the Deputy Director General, Chief Jerry Ezenwa amongst others.
Guests were later treated to a lavished entertainment at the Okwudi Family Compound in Issele-Uku
A service of songs was earlier on Thursday held in honour of the late Mrs Patricia Ugochukwu Okwudi while an outing/thanksgiving service also in honour of the deceased was held on Sunday, May 5 at Issele Baptist Church, Issele-Uku.
Late Mrs Patricia Ugochukwu Okwudi transited to eternal glory on Thursday 7th March 2024 at the age of 81.
She is survived by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous relatives amongst who is former Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government and Executive Assistant to the State Governor on Local Government Affairs, Hon Dr. Jaunty Okwudi and the NULGE State President and Vice Chairman NLC Delta State, High Comrade Ziko Okwudi.
In his tribute to the late Mother, Dr. Jaunty Okwudi described her as an epitome of beauty and a true representation of a wife to her husband and mother not only to her biological children, but to so many other people around her.
“She was kind-hearted. She was very kind and soft with me, back then in my school days as she would always give me extra money whenever I was going back to school as a boarding student.
“She allowed me to go out and groove with my friends during the holidays and defended me whenever my father scolded me for going out without his permission. She treated all her children with love and kindness,” he stated.
While regretting the exit of his Mother, Dr. Jaunty Okwudi submitted to the divine will of Action God, saying that His will has prevailed.
Also in his tribute, High Comrade Ziko Okwudi who is the fifth son and the last born of the family, lamented the demise of his mother whom he described as an adorable mother.
“Not a day goes by that you are not missed. I thought it might get easier as time passed by, but it does not. I do not know how to come to terms with this reality, but I know you are the best mother a son could ever ask for in so many ways.
“Not a day goes by that I do not cry my eyes out because I miss you so much. I feel so alone that I want to talk to you more. I love you my mother so dearly, I am utterly heartbroken that you are gone forever, it’s so hard to face reality. Good bye as my heart bleeds,” Comrade Ziko lamented.
