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Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has asked the living to live a life worthy of emulation, even as he described life as transient that should be nurtured with honesty, truth, and faith in God.
Speaking at the burial of HRM Eze Sir George Eńeogwe Nwachukwu, traditional ruler of Nneoyi Amaise Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, Otti argued that the best gift one should leave behind is the gift of honesty and selfless service to humanity.
He therefore paid glowing tribute to the late traditional ruler, who is also the father of Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu.
The burial service, which attracted many dignitaries from the traditional and political circles, was held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Nneoyi Amaise Autonomous Community.
The Abia governor described the late monarch as a rare gift to humanity and a man whose life was marked by excellence, service, integrity, and dedication to education, and stated that the deceased left behind a remarkable legacy worthy of celebration rather than mourning.
He noted that the deceased, who passed on at the age of 93, touched countless lives through his service as an educator and community leader.
Speaking on the similarity of dates of his life, the governor observed that the monarch “was a rare gift, not only to this community, not only to this state, but to Nigeria. We thank God for what He did with his life.
“He taught some of the most difficult subjects: Physics and Mathematics, and he was my teacher”.
He emphasised that the late monarch lived a fulfilled life and completed his earthly assignment well, urging family members and well-wishers to take solace in his accomplishments and longevity.
He said, “At 93, he did very well. It is difficult to ask people not to mourn, but when you consider the age people pass away these days, then, you know, we have every reason to thank God. He completed his race; there was nothing left for him to accomplish”.
The State Chief Executive further highlighted what he described as a remarkable pattern surrounding the life of the late traditional ruler, noting that significant milestones in his life were connected to the number five.
“Eze Nwachukwu”, he noted, “was born on November 5, 1933, baptised on June 5, 1934, passed away on April 5, 2026, and is being laid to rest on June 5, 2026, after spending 33 years on the throne.
“We thank God for his life, and we pray that at the end of the day, we shall reunite with him on that resurrection morning when we shall part no more,” he added.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Aba Diocese, Archbishop Isaac Nwaobia, described death as inevitable and challenged everyone to reflect on the impact they are making while alive.
Archbishop Nwaobia, who took his text from the book of Philippians 1:21, stressed that life should be devoted to serving God and humanity, pointing out that every individual would ultimately be rewarded according to his deeds.
The cleric stated that while suffering is a part of life, there is joy when such suffering is for a worthy cause. He therefore urged Christians to remain steadfast in serving God, doing good, and positively impacting society.
In his funeral oration on behalf of the family, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Sir Uzor Nwachukwu, described his late father as a man of great integrity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the values of honesty and hard work.
He expressed gratitude to the governor, government officials, traditional rulers, church leaders, friends, and well-wishers for their support, prayers, and solidarity throughout the period of mourning, while assuring that the family would continue to uphold the noble ideals for which their patriarch was known.
The wife of the governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, Deputy Governor of the state, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the commissioner, and top government officials were also present at the burial
