By Daruwana Daku and Ebube Edieh
As the remains of the late Mrs Regina Nweke Akam, mother of the official driver to the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, was laid to rest in Amudo, Ebonyi State, Bishop Ezeokafor has condoled with the family, while paying his last respect to the deceased.
The Bishop who attended the funeral ceremony of his driver’s mother was also the chief celebrant at the funeral Mass.
While praying for the repose of the soul of Mrs Akam, the bishop also recounted the life and times of the deceased, noting that she was bent on raising her children in the ways of God.
Bishop Ezeokafor in his homily noted that the good work of the deceased was evident in the moral discipline of her children.
He added that her son, Mr. Matthew Akam, was living with him as an exemplary character of the family and an imagery of a dutiful, honest and trustworthy man, whom he noted, had shown that he was from a Christian home.
As a woman who had lived a pious life, the bishop described her as a teacher of faith and also a community leader whose leadership prowess cut-across the Church and society.
Fides gathered that late Mrs Regina Nweke Akam was born in 1962. Even though with no formal education, since her baptism in 1977 where she accepted Christ and Christianity, she had been a strong member of the Catholic Church and functioned in different societies of the Church, including the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO)
Until her death, she was known for helping the needy and less privileged. She believed in the faith and was also a campaigner of sincerity and honesty.
In attendance at the mass were the Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Peter Nworie who was represented by the Chancellor of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Opeke; the bishop emeritus of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro; about 30 priests – many of whom were from the diocese of Awka; many religious men and women; CMO, CWO, YCP of Archbishop A.K. Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Centre, Okpuno; and many others.
Highlights of the funeral/burial ceremonies were the donation of 100,000 by the family of the deceased in support of the parish project and the empowerment of a young tiler, Aboy Ezeke by Mr. Matthew Akam to mark his mother’s burial and funeral.
Late Regina Akam is survived by her husband, Mr. Dennis Akam and her 7 children among whom is Mr Matthew Akam, the driver of the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.
