Uzodimma, Ngige, others pay tribute as Late Mrs Cecelia Okere is buried

All roads will today (Friday January 29) lead to Umuowa Community as people at home and abroad gather to bid final farewell to the Late Mrs. Ezinne Cecelia Onyemechi Okere.  Her remains will be committed to mother Earth under strict COVID-19 protocols.

Given the pedigree of the Okere family at home and abroad it is expected that Umuowa Community  in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State would today stand still as the remains of Late Mrs. Ezinne Cecelia Okere is committed to mother earth at her country home, Umuawuka village, Umuowa, Imo State.

Ezinne Okere was born in 1934 to the family of Jonah Anele of Umuike Amafor in Imerinwe in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, she was the first child of the family.

She became the shining star in her family and her siblings loved and respected her with undiluted devotion and she in the turn showered them with love and care.

She was among the very few women of her time that were given the privilege of acquiring western education.

This privilege afforded her the great opportunity of becoming a teacher after attending the prestigious Holy Rosary College, Enugu where she obtained her Teacher Grade Two Certificate in 1955. Mama erected the first zinc house for her father before she got married to our late father, Mr. Celestine Tomike Ujunwa Okere in 1958. It was with relish and fondness that mama combined her teaching career, child bearing and family rearing under the strict Catholic faith.

She helped in no small measure to train the sons and daughters of the extended family of her husband. She did all this under the watchful eyes of a husband who was a good disciplinarian.

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in since she died and among eminent Nigerians who have condoled with the family include the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma and his deputy, Prof Placid Njoku.

She Was A Loving, Caring Mother-Governor Hope Uzodimma

The governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma while commiserating with the Okere family over the death of their Matriarch in a condolence letter described her as a loving and caring mother who, through community services, training and upbringing of her children made positive and remarkable contribution to the development of the society. He said though painful, death is not contrary to the course of nature; it is necessarily a part of human existence and the justifiable end of all mortals.

The governor “on behalf of my family, Government and good people of Imo State,” asked the Lord to give the family the grace to bear this irreparable loss.

She Was A Passionate Catholic Who Loved God And Humanity-Imo Deputy Governor

In his condolence message, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Professor Placid Njoku described the Late Mrs. Cecelia Onyemaechi Okere (Nee Anaele), as a committed and passionate Catholic who showed deep love for God and humanity. He said that she contributed greatly towards the growth and development of her community Umuawuka  Umuowa, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State and beyond.

He prayed to Almighty God to grant the Okere family and the entire Umuawuka community the fortitude to bear the sad loss.

She Shaped The Lives Of Many Leaders In Nigeria As A Teacher- Iwuanyanwu

To Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Late Mrs. Cecelia Onyemachi Okere as a teacher played a major role in shaping the life and destiny of many leaders in Nigeria today. And as a community and church leader, she served humanity and God with great zeal and Loyalty.

He prayed God to grant the Okere family the courage to bear the loss with Christian Fortitude.

She Lived Exemplary Life Worthy Of Emulation-Senator Nzeribe

In his condolence message to the Okere family, Maverick politician, Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe, said that Mrs Cecilia Onyemaechi Okere, lived life worthy of emulation. He said that “The greatest thing those of us she has left behind owe to her memory is to live up to those ideals she lived and worked so hard for as a teacher, community leader and a devout Christian.”

She Made Positive Impact On All Who Crossed Her Path- Ngige, Minister of Labour

In his condolence message to the Okere family, the former governor of Anambra State and the current Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige noted that as a teacher, she educated, mentored and instilled the passion to learn in her students, inspiring them in all aspect of their lives to aspire to be among the best.

He noted that Mama distinguished herself as a staunch Catholic exemplifying a virtuous life, and made positive impact on the lives of all who crossed  her path exhibiting a truthful life and training all her children with her huge contribution  to the development of Umuowa town in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

He said that in mourning her passage, “we should find solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled and accomplished life.”

She Shaped The Lives Of So Many To Be Successful-Ex-Governor Ohakim and Wife

In their condolence message to the Okere family, the former governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim and his wife Barrister Chioma Ohakim said late Mrs. Cecelia Onyemechi Okere (Née Anaele)
as a school teacher during her days, helped to shape the lives of so many to become successful, a legacy which will stand the test of time.

They said, “While we enjoin you to take solace in the knowledge that she lived a good life and left enduring footprints, please accept our deepest condolences and prayers during these trying moments and May her soul Rest In Peace. Amen.”

She Was Illustrious Women-Emezim, Imo Assembly Speaker

The late Mrs. Cecelia Onyemechi Okere (Nee Anaela), has been described by Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul A. Emezim as

“A loved and illustrious one.” He prayed to God to grant the Okere family

the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

She Will Be Remembered For Her Progressive Ideas- Charles Orie, MD/CEO, ISOPADEC

In his condolence message the managing director and chief executive officer of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Chief Charles Orie said Late Mrs Ezinne Cecilia Onyemaechi,

was a respected and committed school teacher par excellence, a community and church leader, a lover of peace and humanly. “She was a role figure to women in Umuowa Community, Ngor-Okpala and beyond. I have no doubts in my mind that her demise will create indelible vacuum in the lives of people she impacted in service special ways. Testimonies abound that Mama lived a good life that is worthy of emulation. She will be remembered for her progressive ideas, and faith in God.” He commiserated with the entire Okere family at this grieving period and prayed for the repose of the departed in God’s paradise.

She Impacted Godly Attributes On Her Children-Barr. Amadi

In his condolence message to the Okere family, Barr. Willie Amadi, Federal Commissioner/Ombudsman Public Complaints Commission, said Late Mrs. Ezinne Cecelia Okere was a gentle, hardworking and Godly woman who impacted discipline and Godly attributes on her children. He prayed that

the soul of Mama Cecilia Okere and the souls of all the faithful that departed through the mercy of God continue to rest in perfect peace.

My Prayer Is For God’s Grace For The Family-Madubuike, Former Education Minister

In his condolence message the former minister of Education, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike said that “Death is beyond physical deprivation. It creates emotional challenge that is more difficult to manage. My prayer is for God to give you the grace and gravitas to manage both with fortitude.”

She Advanced The Cause Of The Downtrodden-Hon. Nweke

The Interim Management Committee Chairman, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Mayor Obinna Nweke

in his condolence message praised late Mrs. Ezinne Cecilia Okere for her tremendous commitments and capacity to advance the cause of the downtrodden and humanity at large. “We are privileged that she lived among us and we thank God for the time she stayed with us. Her rare quality, her rare records will remain source of inspiration and motivation to many aspiring teachers and leaders.”

FAMILY TRIBUTE

The living members of the Okere family have also been paying tribute to their Late Matriarch. Here are the family tributes:

Mama Cecilia Was Manager With Difference-Egejuru, Son-In-law

The son-in-law of the Late Mrs Cecilia Okere, Dr. Raphael  Egejuru  described her as a manager with a difference! He said that she managed her home excellently well despite the crowd. “Little wonder she was able to handle her daughters-in-law with varying background and upbringing without much stress! She was always proactive in her approach to issue. She did not need to be told before she took action. She was always prepared for anything and was never caught napping,” he wrote.

She Was Mother Par Excellence-Dr Chinyere Okere, Daughter

One of the daughters of the Late Matriarch, Dr. Lady Chinyere Ujunwa Okere described her mother as mother par excellence, a devout Catholic Christian and a mother of celebrities.

I’m Blessed To Be Her Daughter

Ngozi Egejuru, one of daughters of the Late Mrs. Cecilia Okere said that she was blessed to be her daughter, adding that her mother was exceptionally endowed with “this principal thing called WISDOM.” “You applied it so much and well to mediate and resolve so many difficulties and challenges in the family, in the school and in the church. Mama Cecilia Jonah, you taught me to be calm, even in the face of raging storm! Your deep wisdom and sharp memory was unimaginable,” she wrote.

My Dream To Share A Lot With Her Was Shattered-Emma Okere, Daughter-in-law

One of her daughters-in-law, Emma Okere, lamented that her death has deprived her the dream of coming home to Nigeria and spend a whole lot of time with her noting that, “all that dream has been shattered.”

She was however consoled that the legacy she left behind will continue to grow both for generations of the Okere family and for humanity.

She Was Everything A Good Mother Should Be-Prof Cleo Okere, Son

One of the sons of the Late Mrs Ezinne Cecilia Okere, Professor Cleo Okere described his late mother, as everything a good mother should be. “You gave us everything a good mother would give to her children. You showed your love to your children, to your extended families and to anyone around you. You were loved and respected by all around you. You lived a good Christian life. You touched many lives and changed many lives. Mama you were an epitome of goodwill and love,” he wrote in tribute to his beloved mother.

She Was A Celebrated Teacher-Austine Okere, Son

Austine Okere, one of the sons of the Late Matriarch said her mother was a celebrated teacher who instilled discipline, hard work, determination, respect and responsibility on her children. “We learn family life and tolerance from her. Her commitment and devotion to family were unequalled,” he wrote.

She Taught Us All Round Education-Cornelius Okere

“As a teacher you taught us not only in academies but in all aspect of religious, cultural, moral and marital lives.  Mama you came into this world, saw and conquered. You fought a good fight of faith. Your crown of glory is thus waiting for you in heaven,” he wrote in tribute to his loving mother.

She Sought To Please God Always-Dr Immaculate, Daughter-In-law

“A God-fearing woman who seeks to please the Lord in all that you do. This is who Mama Cecilia was, a loving, caring and thoughtful person. You put others first and was always ready to help meet their needs,” Dr. Mrs. Immaculate, wrote about her loving Mother-in-law

She Was Accommodating-Dr. Chineye Okere, Daughter-in-law

“Mama was loving, caring, peaceful, accommodating. Very understanding. Cheerful, hard working, kind hearted, a giver, a devoted Christian and a mother-in-law like no other. It pained me to see her in that health challenge condition when she was unable to do the things she loved doing. She fought to stay alive because of her loved ones but the All-knowing God knew when it was time to grant her eternal rest,” Dr. Mrs. Chineye Okere stated.

She Was A Virtuous Woman-Lolo Ijeoma Okere, Daughter-in-law

“She was very honest, virtuous, faithful woman. She was CWO President for eight years.  Her Christian life was unequaled in all ramifications,” she wrote in memory of her mother-in-law.

She Was A Perfect Peace Maker-Esther Okere, Daughter-in-law

“Mama, you were a lady, wife, mother and a perfect peacemaker. Your type of wife is rare to find in a family,” Esther Okere wrote about her mother-in-law.