By Olivia Obijiaku
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Most Rev Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh presided over the Mass for the Wake of Late Sir (Chief) Paul Nnaemeka Obah, sympathizing with the bereaved widow, the Noble-President of the Ladies of St Mulumba (LSM), Lady Anthonia Ngozi Obah, and the bereaved family over the demise of their husband and father, aged 72. He encouraged them to thank God for his life, catechizing that God the Creator, who gave him to them has taken him, and that no one can argue with Him.
During the Mass which was celebrated at Good Shepherd Parish, Graceland Zaria, His Lordship noted that, from his brief encounter with the deceased, he found the knight to be a very simple man, who was dedicated to the progress of the Church. He expressed joy over what and how other people witnessed to his exemplary life, praying that God may reward him with eternal life.
Lauding the Knights of St Mulumba who were at the Mass in large number, including those from the Archdiocese of Kaduna, the bishop commented that their presence is a testimony to the unity that exists among them. He charged them to maintain such good value, even as he canvassed membership into the Order, conveying that “The knighthood is a noble call by God. The knights are doing well. In fact the knights are the defenders of the Church. I am saying this to attract other people who will like to join the knighthood. Join the knighthood and be a defender of the Church.”
To the defenders, “Please, keep it up and I believe that you will welcome those who will like to join the knighthood.”
In his homily, the Vicar General of the diocese, Very Rev Fr. Michael Pius Kagarko described late Sir Obah as “a very simple man, who lived a very simple life. Chief Oba believed in the Holy Communion, in the Eucharist.” He disclosed that he gave to the Church in no small measure and exhibited strong faith in God and the Church till the very end. He charged the family to remain united and maintain the chief’s legacies, expressing belief that “Chief Obah did his best for this family.”
Fr. Kagarko reminded participants of the vanity of life, tasking them to cast their minds on those who have gone before them, so that they may prepare well for their departure from the earthly life. He prayed that God may give them all, the opportunity to be well prepared when their time comes, so that they may see Him face to face.
On behalf of the family, late Obah’s son, Mr. Paschal Nzube Obah thanked God for the life of their patriarch and for the wonderful and impactful life he shared with them. He thanked the clergy and the lay faithful and all who contributed to their family and the life of their father for the blessings they have been to them. In a special way, Mr. Obah thanked Rev Fr. Dr. Isaac Agu for administering the last sacrament and the Viaticum on their father, praying that God may reward him abundantly.
Sirs Henry Duniya and David Barau represented Samaru and Zaria Subordinate Councils of the Order the Knights of St Mulumba and Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of the diocese respectively, in detailing how their member – one of the first four pioneers of the Order in the subordinate councils; a former Grand Knight; and a Patron of the Diocesan CMO contributed in many ways to the growth of their associations. Also, Mrs. Afinik Kaza and Matthias Kaza spoke on behalf of the Parish Laity Council and Parish CMO respectively, revealing that Sir Obah will be greatly missed for his dedication, resourcefulness, generosity, simplicity and commitment to the parish and its growth. They all sympathized with the family.
