Sunday 28 April 2013

BURIAL/LIFE AND TIMES OF LATE MRS PHILOMENA MMANUENYENWA IKEOKWU ONYIRIUKA[ NDAA PHILO]- 1947-2013



INTRODUCTION
The body of Late Mrs Philomina Mmanuenyenwa Ikowu Onyiriuka was commuted  to mother earth on Friday, the 12th of April 2013. Mrs Philomena Onyiriuka died after a brief illness on the 12th of  March 2013.

Sadness,sorrow,anguish,bitterness and melancholy pervaded the air around Naze and its environs as the families of Onyiriuka,friends and well wishers  converged to pay their last  respect to this beautiful,lovely,amiable,highly respected,  great and noble woman.

Her body was conveyed from Agbala Mortuary at about 7.15 in the morning to her maiden home (Abakporo’s compound) in Umuakali Naze  Owerri North Imo State.

From Umuakali Naze, the body was conveyed straight to Umuorie Naze  where she was lied in state and later moved to St John’s Anglican Church Naze for funeral mass . Interment followed immediately after church service at  Mr. Walter Onyiriuka’s compound.


      GREAT MOMENTS ON EARTH
MRS PHILOMENA AT SON'S WEDDING IN 2012
MRS PHILOMENA(RIGHT) PRESENT AT THE ST JOHN'S ANGLICAN CHURCH NAZE CENTENARY CELEBRATION IN 2012 DECEMBER


CORPSE ARRIVE MRS PHILOMENA’S  MAIDEN HOME

THE SISTER -MRS ROSE OBINECHE IN TEARS




MRS HERBERTH ABAKPORO( BROTHER) RECEIVNG THE CORPSE AT HER MAIDEN HOME

SECOND DAUGHTER ONYII IN TEARS AS SHE CONSOLES HER TWO SONS. WHAT A SAD MOMENT!

BODY LIED IN STATE AT HER HOME
HER YOUNGEST BROTHER ONYEWUCHI, THE SON NDUBISI AND HIS WIFE
HER LAST SON -CHIKA IN TEARS


MRS JOY ONYIRIUKA THERE TALKING TO THE DEAD. DO THEY HEAR? HEHE
THE DECEASED HUSBAND MR WALTER ONYIRIUKA  PAYS LAST RESPECT TO HIS  LOVELY WIFE
MRS EUNICE IGWE  THERE CONSOLING HIS BROTHER
CHIKA,JULIE AND ROSE BIDING THEIR MUM THE FINAL FAREWELL. WHAT A SAD MOMENT!


HER FIRST GRAND CHILD IKENNA  SEEING GRANDMA FOR THE LAST TIME. WOW!  WHAT AN EMPTY LIFE

STELLA  ONYIRIUKA  OKEYS WIFE SALUTES HER MOTHER IN-LAW FOR THE LAST TIME




LADY PRINCESS ONYIRIUKA ONYEUKWU PAYING HER LAST RESPECT
HER AGE GRADE

                  AT THE CHURCH 






THE CHURCH RECEIVES THE CORPSE

VERY EMOTIONAL THERE AS MRS EUNICE IGWE  LEDS HIS BROTHER( THE DECEASED HUSBAND) INTO THE CHURCH






IKENNA OGUARIRI  FIRST GRAND CHILD READING THE FUNERAL LESSON REV: 20:11-15









THE CHILDREN NDUBUISI AND AUGUSTA SINGING PSALM AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE
HUSBAND OF THE DECEASED MR WALTER ONYIRIUKA AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE WITH THE SISTER
ROSE- THIRD DAUGHTER OF THE DECEASED  AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE
MR ALLOY OGUARIRI- INLAW







MR GODWIN ONYIRIUKA, WIFE AND DAUGHTER LISTENING TO SERMON



SIR AND LADY I.O.B  NWANGWU- INLAWS







BROTHER- MR HERBERTH  ABAKPORO  VERY PENSIVE THERE



HON. CHIJOKE UDEH WITH THE WIFE 

ENGR. EJIKE NDUBUISI  ONYIRIUKA READING THE FUNERAL ORATION






  FUNERAL ORATION AND TRIBUTES



BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF LATE  MRS  PHILOMENA MMANUENYENWA  IKEOKWU ONYIRIUKA[ NDAA PHILO]

My dear mother , Philomena  mmanuenyenwa  ikoku  onyiriuka was  born on august 30th, 1947 to the noble family of abakporo nnodim of umuobashi kindred , umuakali naze in owerri  north LGA of Imo State.
At  the age of six, she accompanied her aunt mrs Theresa Agugoeshi to kano  to assist in taking care of her children and  to continue her education. Late Philomena onyiriuka did her primary education at Baptist primary school, kano state.
On completion of primary school, mr walter onyiriuka  admired her beauty  and approached her aunty’s husband for a hand in marriage which mr Agugoeshi did not welcome because of her age (12years) at that time . But mr walter did not relent in his persuit  for four years.
At the age of sixteen (16) of Philomena, walter could not resist the beauty, he made the second attempt which was granted by the aunty’s husband. Traditional marriage was done at kano in 1963. She had her first child at the age of seventeen (17). She came back with her husband to owerri  in 1966 due to Nigerian  civil war  crisis and had since then been living at naze where she engaged in different business activities.

Late mrs Philomena onyiriuka was an active member of saint john’s Anglican church- mothers union . she was also member of naze daughters, umuorie women association, umuagwu women association where she was their chairlady until her death , also a member of  her age grade.
Mama, sleep on and rest in the bossom of our lord jesus Christ. Amen.
She is survived by
Onyiriuka walter –husband
Chinyere ngozi onyiriuka –daugther
Nkechi onyegacha oguariri daughter
Ndubuisi ejike onyiriuka   -  son
Rose ukachi onyiriuka  -daugther
Juliana agbachionwe onyiriuka –daugther
Okechukwu chimaobi onyiriuka – son
Chikadibia azubuike onyiriuka – son
Augusta akudo onyiriuka  -Daughter

DAUGHTER IN LAW
Chizoba ndy- onyiriuka
Stella ekene  okey-onyiriuka 

GRAND CHILDREN
Ikenna oguariri – (grand son)
Obinna oguariri –(grand son)
Muna  ndy- onyiriuka- (grand daughter)

In- laws
Mr & Mrs alloy oguariri
Late Mr & Mrs victor alaekwe
Sir & lady nwangwu
Brothers
Mr herberth abakporo
Mr onyewuchi  ekelaka
Sister
Mrs rose obineche




                 TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED MOTHER
Words can hardly express how I feel my mother (ndaa). My heart is full of pains and sorrow that you left us unaware. How do I accept your departure, how am I expected to cope with the thought that I will never see you again.
 It still seems unreal to me . my heart is full of questions but I believe that God has the answer because he knows the best.

My consolation is that God’s ways are perfect but seems strange to those who don’t believe in him. Actually, your death is so painful, for you were one in millions, so precious, wonderful and irreplaceable mother ,  who  has a free heart of giving.
Ndaa, you were the best mother any one can ever pray for or have. It was  a priviledge to have been your daughter. You provided and gave me the best things of life. I will be forever grateful to God and appreciate his loving kindness.
 Ndaa, I love you but God loves you most.
Adieu  ndaa.

Chinyere ngozi onyiriuka





                    MY GOOD MOTHER
Ndaa,  I wii forever remember  you for a good mother you were. You never hated any of your children but took each child the way he or she is. You are the best mother  on earth and you will forever be my mother. May your soul rest in perfect  peace.

Nkechi onyi oguariri - Daughter



                                                                   MY MOM
Ndaa philo fondly called by her children may have been a blessing to every person that had been around her in her life time, whether they were her children ( biological or adopted), her grand-children, family members or her circle of friends. She was herself every single day of her life and never pretended to be anything  she was not . Ndaa philo was someone you will be inspired by her actions and way of life.
She  was  a woman of emotions. At times, she can be fussy, sad, and could get angry when something goes wrong. Otherwise, she was always  loving  , carring and as well a woman  of  her  opinions. Those  qualities made  my  mom the person  she was  and  I love her for all of those things.
 Thank you  mom. Your passing has  made  me realized how  much  I value all you  stood  for  and I will always  love you  for it. I will lways miss you  - so will your sons , daughters and grand children  (ikenna , obinna and muna).

Ndaa,  you were  a v ery special woman, ahead of your times. I am proud  and grateful to have been your son. I hope to see you when my time is up on  this planet.  You have kept your faith and  run  your race. I love you  dearly. Rest in peace.

Engr. ndubuisi ejike onyiriuka

           

         TRIBUTE TO A BELOVED MOTHER
It is so unfortunate that fate and death chose this exact time to give us this dreadful blow. We were busy
making plans for Easter not knowing we will never get the chance to see you again. Oh death how mean you can be!. Ndaa its so painful you didn’t get to see your grandchildren from us or get to see the wonderful plans we had for you.
 
 Though it is hard our only consolation is the knowledge that you are in a better place. We are not in the position to question God but believe that in his supremacy he has reasons for all things. Life is short they say but the little time you spent with us you left a legacy to be imitated by others which is what matters the most. Sleep on mama you will always remain close to our heart

Surv. Okey Onyiriuka and wife
                                               

                                              MY LOVELY MUM
LOVERLY MUM,DEATH IS NOT AN END BUT A PASSAGE OF ETERNAL LIFE.THE TRUE WORTH OF LIFE IS A LIFE OF SERVICE TO HUMANITY AND GOD.MUM YOUR LIFE EPITOMISED ENDEARING AND ENDURIN LOVE,SELF SACRIFICE AND INEXPLICABLE MAGNANIMITY FOR EVERYONE YOU CAME IN CONTACT WITH.YOU WERE A RARE SYMBOL OF JUSTICE,FAIRNESS AND EQUITY.
YOU GAVE HOPE TO THE HOPELESS AND RESUSCITATED A NEW LIFE IN US WITH YOUR LIFE-FILLING SERMON.YOU EXUDED UNPARALLED SAGACITY,CONSISTANCY,TRUTHFULNESS AND HONESTY IN YOUR DEALINGS.
YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE RARE ENIGMA,THE DISCUSSION WHICH CAN NEVER BE EXPIRED.

YOU WERE AN ICONIC PERSONAGE,AN ENIGMA AND MYTH WHO BESTRODE HER TIMES LIKE A COLOSSUS,AND WHO RESPONDED TO ALL EMERGENT CIRCUMSTANCES WITH TYPICAL CANDOUR AND VALOUR.YOUR DEMISE MARKS THE END OF AN ERA AND CLOSE OF A CHAPTER.THE VACUUM YOU HAVE LEFT BEHIND WILL BE GREATLY FELT .
REST IN THE BOSOM OF THE LORD,MY DEAR MUM

CHIKADIBIA ONYIRIUKA
        
                   MY GRANDMOTHER
Grandma, I  will miss you, miss so much,  all the folk stories you always told us. You are a grandma indeed that loved and cherished us.
Grandmom, we love you so much but God loves you most.
May the good lord grant you eternal rest Amen.

           Grandson,ikenna




TRIBUTE TO MY SISTER IN-LAW
Oh death! you are so wicked. You took away my senior brothers wife at the time she was to be very useful to I and my children especially Ezechi who always came to her for some food items to go back to school and you never said no to his request .

Philo we were planning the wedding of my daughter together as I never do anything without telling you and you also never do anything without telling me. But you did not tell me you are going to leave me soon. Well ,I will not question God for he knows the best. But I still doubt your death till now. You are still my sister in law even in death.
Good bye, rest in perfect peace, Amen.

Mrs. Eunice I. Igwe (nee Onyiriuka)



          TRIBUTE TO A BELOVED MOTHER
 Its so hard to say goodbye to yesterday. Nda mi philo, you and I chatted and joked two nights before your sad demise  . The news of your death came to me as a very huge shock. You have no idea what losing you have done to my heart, it tore a piece of soul out of  my chest.

Nda philo, you were one of the greatest mothers the onyiriuka’s have ever produced. You were a great source of inspiration to this generation. You showered everyone with love, care and attention. You never segregated , you saw every youth as your biological child, you were very bold, fearless and courageous and never failed to scream, shout, scold and caution any of us that went  astray or contravened. You were an epitome of a good woman.
I will never forget how you brought all the youths( onyiriuka’s e.t.c.) together in your shop and told us about events that occurred when we were not born. Chei! Uwa sef!.

Your warm advice and encouragements will forever live in my memory. You were a cheerful giver and was ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of peace. Rest in peace ma; we will continue to pray for you till we meet and part no more.

Adieu Nda philo!

  IK Onyiriuka(aka manny)               

TRIBUTE TO NDAA PHILO
 Nda so it is really true that you are no more, I still find it difficult to believe that you have passed on. We were planning for  my wedding together but you never stayed to witness it, Oh death! Why have you decided to put sorrow in my happiness. I love you, rest in the bosom of the Almighty  God . Sleep on, sleep well, till we meet to part no more

Chienyenwa Nneke




                       TRIBUTE  TO  OUR  PRESIDENT
We  doubtful to believe that  you are gone philo. words are not enough to express the sadness we feel loosing you.
Your sudden death on the 22nd of march, 2013  in umuagwu has created  a vacuum in the minds of those of us who love  and cherished you while  you were alive.
 Our prayer is that God gloriously crown you  with his blessing.
Presi-do  laa nke omaoo.

EDNA . E OLERU (SECRETARY) 
FOR THE UMUAGWU WOMEN

                       
                  THE BURIAL







ENGR. EJIKE THERE- EARTH TO EARTH, DUST TO DUST...........








CHRISTIAN MOTHERS MATCH THE GRAVE AND BID FINAL FAREWELL
RIP  MRS PHILOMENA ONYIRIUKA
FAMILY MEMBERS DANCE AFTER BURIAL






















THAT'S ELIGWE  NWAUGORJI THE POPULAR OWERRI BONGO ARTIST DOING WHAT HE KNOWS BEST



SURV. OKEY AND BEAUTIFUL YOUNGER SISTER AUGUSTA  DOING THE DANCE AND SMILING. LOL

ENGR. NDUBUISI THERE WITH THE STUBBORN GOAT. HEHE


 TRIBUTE SONG- SOLEDAD BY WESTLIFE





             ……..THE  END……

                                                   

16 comments:

  1. REST IN PEACE NDA PHILO. BLESSED IS THE NAME THAT GIVETH AND THE ONE THAT TAKETH.

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  2. RIP my beloved mum

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  3. ada ogechi onyiriuka29 April 2013 at 05:54

    R.I.P second mum

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  4. ifeoma elena iheakam29 April 2013 at 05:57

    May you find rest in the lord.

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  5. chikadibia onyiriuka29 April 2013 at 06:03

    RIP MY LOVELY MUM N I WILL NEVER 4GET U IN LIFE BCOS U MADE ME WAT I BE 2DAY.........

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  6. ndubuisi onyiriuka29 April 2013 at 12:16

    Iyke your coverage is nice, thanks

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  7. augustine oleru29 April 2013 at 16:20

    Iyke Welldone May her soul rest with the lord

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  8. Rest in peace Nda Philo, God knows the
    best.

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  9. What a beautiful tribute to a much beloved woman. Scripture tells us that the measure a godly, virtuous woman is when her children rise up and call her blessed. You have all done so quite eloquently. My prayers are with you all, my brothers and sisters. I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God will bring healing to you as you remember what Nda Philo has taught all of you.

    God bless.

    Your sister,
    Esther Ramos Onyiriuka

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  10. BEAUTIFUL WOMAN GOES HOME SO SOON. RIP. NICE JOB IK ONYIRIUKA. THIS IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO IMMORTALIZE HEROS. THUMBS UP MAN

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  11. Ebere Onyiriuka12 May 2013 at 06:47

    Mama philo rest in peace.

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  12. onyiriuka roseline12 May 2013 at 08:29

    ndaa rest in peace .

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  13. onyiriuka okey13 May 2013 at 06:24

    God bless my mum,we all miss u

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  14. Truly sad, rest in peace ma.

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  15. Rest in peace ma, it is well.

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