By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
The Executive Director in charge of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development in the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Dr. Clifford Ogbede, last Thursday laid to rest his deceased mother, Late Lolo Regina Nnenna Ogbede (née Emenike) aged 85years.
The funeral ceremony which almost turned to a carnival of sort took place at the compound of Chief Ogbede at Umuekwune village in Obiangwu Community of Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State.
Earlier in the day, a requiem Mass was held in honour of the departed octogenarian at the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Obiangwu before her remains were laid to rest in her husband’s compound.
Former Governor of Imo State His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who was among dignitaries that graced the occasion commiserated with Dr. Cliff Ogbede over the passing of his mother.
Ihedioha, described the late matriarch of Ogbede Family as virtuous woman who lived a fulfilled life marked by service, humility, and devotion to family, church, and community and enjoined the Ogbedes to bear the loss with fortitude.
He pointed out that late Lolo Regina’s legacies of sound upbringing, moral values, and faith in God would continue to resonate through her children and generations yet unborn.
The funeral also attracted a large gathering of dignitaries from across Imo State and beyond, including political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, friends, and well wishers who came to pay their last respects and identify with the Ogbede family in their moment of grief.
Among those in attendance was Hon. Chief Uche Nwosu, Chief Dr. Theodore O.E. Ekechi, formerly of the North East Development Commission, NEDC, Chief Athan Nnejim Achonu, governorship candidate of Imo Labour Party in 2023 and APC chieftain, Okenze Sylvester .I. Obinna
In a tribute to his departed mother, Dr. Ogbede noted that Mama Regina was a dedicated teacher whose pupils still remember and respect for her outstanding teaching and leadership acumen.
The bereaved Executive Director of SEDC thanked all those who supported and stood firmly behind the family during the period stressing that their solidarity in the time of trial is a great consolation to the family.
He promised that the family will continue to exemplify the worthy legacies of their mother in both personal and public life and prayed God to reward the sympathizers for their show of love and kindness.
