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From Alloy Attah, Onitsha
Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, Enugu State, recorded a large number of visitors last weekend.
It was the burial ceremony of the late Mrs Susan Oyibo Ugwu, the mother in-law of Chief Festus Oshaba-Onuh, Chief Executive Officer, Ferotex Group.
There was massive human and vehicular traffic/gridlock as family members, friends, business associates, government functionaries and politicians trooped into the Township School 1 field, Ogrute, venue of the reception.
Dignitaries that attended the burial ceremony included former governor and presidential candidate of Labour party during the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, Gov. Simi Fubara of River State was also represented.
Others included Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West in the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, Hon. Dennis Agbo, member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North Federal Constituency, Chief Chris Uba, former member representing Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo Hon. Peter Eze, national commissioner representing Enugu State in the Federal Character Commission, chairman, Keves Global Services, Chief Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze) and chairman of Cossel Construction Company and Chief Cosmas Anigbogu, among others.
At the pontifical burial Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. (Prof.) Godfrey Onah, and con-celebrated by over 24 priests, the bishop harped on the need for a life rooted in service to God and humanity.
He talked about the need for humans to know their God and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind.
The bishop noted that God has blessed the people of Enugu Ezike in Nsukka zone with abundant human and material resources, which he said should be channeled towards doing good and making the society better, instead of unproductive ventures of some present-day confusionists, who describe education and church as scams and have resorted to idolatry in the name of going back to their roots.
Regarding the deceased, Bishop Onah stated that the late Mrs. Susan Oyibo Ugwu might have died young at 60 in the eyes of man but God, the giver of life, decided to take her because He is the almighty and all-knowing. He noted that many people died in the year 2025 but the New Year 2026 holds lots of promises and uncertainties, and only those who are insured in the Lord can actually make it and succeed in such situations.
The late Mrs. Susan Oyibo Ugwu was a woman of many talents and unwavering commitment. She served her community with distinction as a teacher and a market surveyor with the Igbo-Eze North LGA. Her dedication to service also extended to the church, where she made notable contributions as secretary of the Catholic Women Organisation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Enugu-Ezike.
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Chief Oshaba-Onuh described his mother-in-law as a beacon of faith and a woman whose life reflected the virtues of a true and devoted Christian.
“Osodieme was the definition of a mother of all, a peaceful woman who opened her heart and home to everyone. She counselled with wisdom, corrected with kindness, supported with strength and prayed with unwavering faith. Her calm spirit and gentle smile had a way of soothing even the heaviest burdens.
“To know her was to feel welcomed. To visit her was to feel loved. To speak with her was to receive encouragement. Today, though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose legacy of faith, unity and kindness will live on through her children and all who were touched by her motherly nature,” Chief Oshaba-Onuh mourned.
Gov. Mbah, in a condolence message to Ferotex, stated that his mother-in-law would be remembered for her exemplary life worthy of emulation with deep belief in God almighty and love for humanity. He said the late Mrs. Susan Oyibo Ugwu will be sorely missed by all whose life she touched through her benevolent disposition.
Gov. Fubara of Rivers State, in his own condolence message, asked Ferotex and his wife to be consoled at this moment of mourning.
“I believe that your mother-in-law was a significant part of your life in many meaningful ways. Therefore, no words can truly ease the pains of losing such a gracious and devoted person. However, may you find peace in the cherished memories you shared and comfort in knowing she left a legacy of love and kindness to those who knew her,” Fubara stated.
Chief of Staff to the Anambra State governor, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, also noted that Osodieme lived a life marked by grace, industry and profound devotion to her family.
“Her legacy of love, compassion and strength will continue to shine through the many lives she touched, especially through you and your dear wife,” he stated.
Senator Victor Umeh, while signing the condolence register, told Ferotex that the loss of his mother-in-law, who departed at the age of 60, was an immeasurable loss, as mothers are often the foundation and heartbeat of the family.
He prayed that the cherished memories of her kindness, warmth and motherly care bring him comfort in their season of grief.
The late Mrs. Susan Oyibo Ugwu is survived by her loving children, including Mrs. Chinasa Oshaba-Onuh and Chidozie Ugwu, adored grandchildren, enterprising sons-in-law like Ferotex, Jude Omeke, Osondi Mamah and a wide circle of relatives and friends who remain forever grateful for her life of purpose.
