Archbishop Val Okeke, over 50 priests , Gov Soludo, Peter Obi, Val Ozigbo, others pay tribute
By Nna Anulumadu
It was a carnival of a sort last week Friday, August 2nd when the remains of late Lady Caroline Nkemakonam Ufudo LSM, JP (nee Odunukwe ) were committed to mother earth in her country home at Nnobi.The burial ceremony attracted the presence of the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Dr Valerian Okeke who was represented by the Episcopal Vicar Nnobi region Very Rev Fr Johbosco Ezika, Governor Chukwuma Soludo ably represented by Hon Beverly Nkemdiche Ikpeazu, former governor Peter Obi, Mr Valentine Ozigbo among others.
In his homily, Rev Monsignor Theo Odukwe described late Caroline as a woman of virtue who lived her life for others, disclosing that she guided and trained many priests and Reverend sisters . “Outside these, Lady Caroline was a humble, generous and charitable mother who took very good care of the needy around her. “She believed in God and lived a life of faith and charity and the church is equally proud of her exemplary life embedded in deep devotion to God”. Monsignor Odukwe charged the children to continue to uphold and relive the good legacies of their Mother and their father who departed this sinful world years ago.
Archbishop Valerian
Okeke in his tribute condoled with the family over the demise, asking them to take solace in God on the fact that their mother did her best as a Christian mother and would be rewarded by God who had called her back home.The parish priest of St Theresa’s parish Nnobi Fr Emmanuel Chibuzor Okeke in his tribute described late Caroline as an active christian whose life exuded love, charity, peace, stating that she was a compassionate mother per excellence.
Governor Soludo also in his message, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, enjoining them not to relent in continuing with the good works of their mother who has assisted greatly in transforming her immediate society in her own capacity.
Mr Peter Obi while condoling with the family, urged them to take heart and take after their mother who was outstanding in practicing her faith and as well charitable to the church and the society.
Mr Val Ozigbo in her contribution extolled the good virtues of late Caroline, a life style that has already guiding and influencing her children who are now fully engaged in community development and transformation, a reflection of their late parents good hearts.
Also, House member representing Idemili South in Anambra state house of assembly Hon. Barr Ebuka Igwe who spoke to the press described late Caroline as a woman of substance who lived a life worthy of emulation, adding that she came, saw and conquered, advising the children to immortalize their mother by following her foot steps.
Mr Chigozie Obiefuna ( KC collections) and Chief Chigbo Enendu ( Akwa udene Nnobi) in their separate messages condoled with the family, expressing joy that her children especially Mr Obinna Ufudo has already taking after his late parents. ” Today Mr Obinna is a figure in the country. His goodness knew no bound. He is currently taking Nnobi community to an enviable height through his investments in education and youth empowerment. His late mother has really produced an illustrious son before her departure “, the duo remarked.
Her daughter in law Mrs Ogugua Ufudo who spoke to Trinitas Newspaper described her mother in law as an organized Lady who loved God and served God first. ” She was really generous and we really missed her . She left a large shoe to fill and we her children will do our best to fill that shoe. “The Chief mourner Mr Obinna Ufudo in remarks shortly after the burial Mass expressed unalloyed gratitude to all his sympathisers for gracing the burial , praying God to reward them over their prayers and support to his family at the time of their mourning. He described her his later mother as a loving mother who was generous to a fault . He revealed that his mother’s second home is the chapel of perpetual adoration, where she visited almost every day after attending morning Masses. He also disclosed that his mother led the church organizations in different capacities; recalling that she was CWO organizer Nnobi Zone for 13 years and an active chorister for 30 years. ” She was deeply spiritual . She had deep and strong faith in the Lord and she lived her life running a heavenly race and I believe she made it”. Late Lady Caroline Nkemakonam Ufudo was born in August 18, 1946. She grew up and got married at her prime time, a marriage that produced successful children. As a mother general she contributed her quota in spreading the gospel of Christ through her various services to the church and to the society. She cared for the needy and the downtrodden. After 76 years on earth, she joined the angels and saints in heaven on February 3rd , 2024.