By Mercy Hill
It was a gathering of dignitaries, medical practitioners, friends and family as the remains of late Dr Gabriel Amamchukwu Mbah (KSJI), Ichie Ochendo, was laid to rest at his country home at Umueze Village, Akpo in Aguata L.G.A, Anambra State.
Late Dr. Amamchukwu was born on 27 May 1947 to the family of Nze and Mrs. Michael Mbah, and died on 27th December 2019 after three years of severe illness. He was survived by his wife Dr. Mrs Dorothy Mbah and their five children.
The funeral rites were preceded by a Holy Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Akpo and was presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye.
In his homily during the Mass, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeoke, recounted the life and moments he shared with the deceased, noting most of his works of charity both outside and inside the church. He described the Late Dr. Amamchukwu as calm, sociable, humble and a man of numerous achievements with passion to help people. He therefore urged all present to take solace in the fact that the deceased was resting in the Lord.
He also enjoined them to keep praying for his soul and those of other faithful departed.
The cleric also advised the church to make everyday of their lives count as no one knew when his or her time would come.
‘Be aware that you will some day go to meet your Maker. You should therefore make every day of your life count”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Knights of Saint John International, after the Mass, the Grand Secretary of KSJI, Sir J. Ogo Ezeonu, described Late Dr. Amamchukwu as a kind hearted christian who truly loved helping others, explaining that he most times sacrificed much of his time and resources to save people.
For his part, the chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Sir Emma Muonago, spoke of the deceased as hardworking, resilient, energetic and had a keen drive for excellence. He also sympathized with the family and prayed that God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Anambra State Health Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Ogochukwu Okpala, said the deceased had been his mentor since his days at the medical school and hoped he would find eternal rest in heaven.
Reading the Funeral oration on behalf of the Mbah family, the first son Dr. Obinna Mbah, read that his father was not just a father but a teacher, mentor, confidant, best companion to their mother as well as a devout catholic.
He explained that late Dr. Amamchukwu lived a fulfilled and complete life. Dr Obinna wished him eternal rest and further appreciated all who gathered to sympathize with them.
Other groups who spoke at his grave side, which included, Ibadan Medics 1977 Association; Knights of St. Mulumba; the Nigeria Medical Association, Aguata Zone; among others, echoed his good deeds and wished him eternal rest.




