By Michael Nnebife
It was a solemn moment for the Nwajagu Family, their associates, friends and well-wishers, as the remains of their Patriarch, Sir Godfrey Obidigbo Nwajagu, whom his admirers, fondly called ‘Egbueriaku,’ were laid to rest in his country home, Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The Burial Mass, which took place at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Awgbu, on Thursday, 12th September, 2024, attracted the presence of the former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi; a throng of Catholic priests and religious from far and near dioceses; the Noble Knights and Ladies of St John International, Ekwulobia Commandery 509; members of the CMO, St Patrick’s Church, Awgbu; their CWO counterparts, among others.
In a homily during the Mass, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor, who presided over the Mass, lauded the legacies of Sir Godfrey, whom he described as a very courageous man who was very committed to the service to God and humanity.
Stating that Sir Godfrey’s life, as a father, youth leader, Chairman of the Eastern Nigeria Catholic Council, Chairman of CMO, among others, was encouraging, Bishop Ezeokafor charged Godfrey’s children and the people to emulate him.
He recalled two situations in the life and times of the deceased when he dared obnoxious cultural practices and beliefs, demonstrating exceptional faith in God.
Ezeokafor thanked God for blessing Godfrey with a long life and consoled his children, urging them to take solace on the fact that their father lived a fulfilled life, attained the envious golden age of 96, and most importantly died in the Lord.
He further expressed gratitude to them for erecting a bell tower at St Patrick’s Church, Awgbu, in memory of their parents.
The prelate admonished the congregation that filled the gigantic St Patrick’s Church building to the brim to self-examine their lives and make amends where necessary as the second coming of Jesus Christ would be sudden.
In a vote of thanks, one of the sons of the deceased, Rev Fr Hilary Nwajagu, expressed gratitude to Bishop Ezeokafor; the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Obi; the throng of priests, religious, the Noble Knights of St John International; Ekwulobia Commandery 509; the CMO; the entire members of St Joseph’s Parish, Garden City, New York; the in-laws; associates; friends and well-wishers of the Nwajagu Family; for their support and for finding out time to pay their last respects to their father.
He also appreciated his siblings for their contributions for the erection of the bell tower which he described as a voice of God that reminded people of time for prayers.
Speaking with Fides, the Financial Secretary, the Knights of St John International, Ekwulobia Commandery 509, Col Felix Aguigwo, described Sir Godfrey as a brave Christian who gallantly fought pagan practices and beliefs and won.
Also, to the Chairman of the CMO, St Patrick’s, Awgbu, Mr Michael Ezeani, ‘Sir Godfrey was a good Catholic father whose life was worthy of emulation.’
Mr Ezeani and Col Aguigwo expressed the belief that God had accepted Godfrey’s soul for eternal repose, for he was an upright man.
Condolence visits by the in-laws, associates, friends and well-wishers of the Nwajagu Family, followed the Mass, which came to a climax with interment at the family compound.