Encomiums, Celebrations Flow As Elder Ozoemena Is Buried In Awgu, Enugu State

BY Ikenna Ogbu, Enugu

Elder Sunday Okeke Ozoemena who passed-on, January 14, 2022 was committed to mother earth on April 28, 2023 in his country home, Amaja Onoli Village, Awgu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, amidst pomp and pageantry.

It was a celebration of life for Late Elder Ozoemena as people from all walks of life gathered in his compound to give him their last respect.

Indeed, the story of life and times of Elder Ozoemena the fallen great Iroko in Igbo land as narrated by his eldest son, Pastor Donatus Obi Ozoemena, was fascinating and inspirational.

Pastor Ozoemena, Enugu Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the just concluded general election in his tribute to the late Icon, said, “There are fathers, there are good fathers and there are great fathers, but my father, Elder Sunday Ozoemena, ‘Sunny boy’ as he was popularly known, was one of the greatest fathers to exist”.

Early life of Elder Ozoemena, born in 1945 to the family of Ozoemena Nwafor-nta in Onoli Awgu was not rosy as his father departed at a very tender age, leaving him (the only son) to face the challenge of nurturing his other siblings born by his biological mother and his step-mother.

His words: “My dad was very industrious, great farmer and palm wine tapper. You see as I have always maintained, I was not born with a golden or even silver spoon, but with all the steep hills and against all odds he continued to work and encourage his family to maintain our self esteem. In-fact, I even hawked palm wine he tapped in the streets of Lagos State to help train me in School. But Papa with great support of his late wife, Mrs Catherine Ozoemena (Madam Iwe-ewe) never allowed his family to go hungry or without food for a single day.

Still on the moving story, Pastor Ozoemena recalled with nostalgia: “One important story of many stories about Papa is that he never owned a motorcycle to talk of vehicle. As a young boy growing up, I envied other parents and young men who owned just motorcycle, that I had to learn to ride motorcycle at early age hoping that Papa would own one too.

“One such day, I begged a family friend to lend me his motorcycle. I was met with insults that caused me to come home crying. My Dad wiped my tears, blessed me and told me not to worry, that in-fact I should not worry about owning a motorcycle but instead that I would travel far and near, all over the world, have a good job, own multiple vehicles, marry a good wife with beautiful children and become influential.

“Dad is correct as everyone can see today. Papa, Sunny Boy, Papa Governor recently before his passing-on also blessed and charged me to put Enugu first, to do what he could not do for humanity, for that reason after his death, we kept him until now to finish my campaign and the election, trying to fulfil his wishes for the great people of Enugu State. There are many great stories and wonderful memories about Papa aka Sunny boy but it’s well”.

Interestingly, wife of the chief mourner, Pastor (Mrs) Happy Ozoemena, also poured encomium on her Late Father-in-law, saying his demise was shocking.

“Papa your death was a shocker to me. Papa you were too dear to me. I pray I recover from the shock of your death. Sunny boy, whenever I remember your love over in the United States of America, I always feel like coming back home, your laughter, smile, your encouragement and praises.

“Why na Papa, it was always so fun staying around you. What a big loss of an Icon? Papa, Sunny boy, may your precious soul find rest in the Lord’s bosom”, she concluded.

Tributes to the father of the founder of God’s Anointed Live Ministries USA, Pastor Ozoemena, began from the funeral rites of the late sage with visible presence of members of Christian Association of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter at the interment.

Other four children of the late septuagenarian, also moving gracefully, joined their eldest brother, Pastor Ozoemena, in the burial ceremony, paying glowing tributes to their farther. They are: Mr Festus Ozoemena, Mr Ephraim Ozoemena, Mr Ernest Ozoemena, Mrs Adaku Ikechukwu and Mrs Amuche Chukwu.

The State Chairman of CAN, Emmanuel Edeh and Bishop Joseph Ajujunwa officiated the funeral service.

Also present at the funeral service were members of ADC led by their state chairman, Evangelist Stella Chukwuma.

The sermon which basically dwelt on life and death of mankind, was drawn from the scripture readings of Isaiah 38 vs 1-6, Luke 12 vs 16-21 and Hebrews 9 vs 24-28, with synopsis that “Death is a consequence of man disobedience to God”.

Reception by the family of the departed sage for their friends/associates, and well-wishers was held at Sansiro Field, Onoli Awgu.

It was a Mecca of sort as people were in large number to celebrate with the family of the Ozoemena dynasty.

Music by Agnus Awgu Amaka Special Int’l band, Ojemba cultural group and Dj Onwa were on ground to entertain the audience.

Frankly, Elder Ozoemena came, conquered and gone and his memory will continue to live on. He died a fulfilled man.