Akpabio, Bishops, Biz Moguls, Others Pay Tribute as Nnewi Monarch, Orizu to Buries Wife

By Praise Chinecherem

It was sea of heads and moments of grief at the funeral of Lolo Catherine Nwazunafia Orizu, wife of traditional ruler of Nnewi community, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III who was laid to rest in a colourful event.

Among the dignitaries who gathered to bid her farewell were Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a recognized member of Igwe Nnewi-in- Council; the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze; Igwe Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu; Chief Cletus Ibeto; the CEO of Chicason Group, Chief Chika Okafor and the CEO of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

Others were Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese; Rt Rev. Ndubuisi Obi; Mr. Frank Nneji; CEO of Chisco Transport Ltd, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu; the CEO of KOTEC Group, Chief Chika Emenike; Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese; Rt. Revd. Dr. Godwin Okpala, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN; the Obi Umudim, Obi Bennett Okafor; Obi Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba, and many other prominent personalities and well-wishers from within and outside the country who came to pay their last respect to the departed Lolo Igwe.

The funeral showcased mixture of solemnity and respect for the late Lolo, reflecting on the customs and tradition of Nnewi people as the deceased was said to have commanded huge respects among her people for her numerous contributions to the development of Nnewi community.

The Nnewi monarch who described his late wife as pillar of strength and compassion, highlighted her immeasurable dedication to her family and community in her lifetime.

Sympathizers in their separate condolences to the bereaved royal family, prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

They described the deceased commitment and philanthropic gesture towards uplifting the living condition of women and children in Nnewi as second to none.

Many recalled her contributions to education and healthcare delivery in Nnewi community.

Chief Daniel Chukwudozie of the Dozzy Group described the late Lolo Igwe as a wonderful woman who he said made her marks significantly in her lifetime and prayed that God would give her spirit eternal rest as he asked the royal family and the entire Nnewi community to bear the loss with fortitude.

Prayers and traditional rites were offered in honour of the deceased while homage continued for the third day.