- Archbishop Okeke, Bishop Isizoh, Gov Soludo, Senators, others in attendance
By Nna Anulumadu / Obum Okakpu
It was a carnival of a sort last Friday, October 25th 2024, when the remains of Late Chief Lawrence Okaa Nwoye ( father of Sen. Tony Nwoye ) were committed to the mother earth in his country home Nsugbe.
The burial Mass which took place at St John’s Catholic church, Nsugbe attracted highly profiled dignitaries from far and near, including His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke, His Lordship Most Rev Denis Isizoh of Aguleri Diocese, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Senate president Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Senator Victor Umeh, other senators, federal house members , traditional rulers, captains of industries and thousands of other sympathisers.
In his Homily, the Chancellor of Catholic diocese of Aguleri Very Rev Fr Innocent Egbunike described the deceased as a peace maker and a leader per excellence who impacted positively on his community. Explaining that death always marks the end of earthly journey of everyone human, he charged members of the society not to hesitate in using their resources and gifts in transforming our country, states and communities while alive, so that such good deeds can immortalize them here on earth and as well help them in securing a place in God’s Kingdom.
Senate president Dr Godswill Akpabio GCON in a condolence message described Late Pa Lawrence Okaa Nwoye as hardworking man who recorded numerous accomplishments and built a family that is anchored on values.
Deputy Senate president Dr Barau I Jibrin, CFR in his tribute eulogized the deceased, positing that his achievements were manifestation of life well spent. He commended Sen Tony Nwoye for following his father’s foot steps.
Speaker of federal house of representatives Rt. Hon Abbas Tajudeen CGO in his tribute described the deceased as a great Community leader, philanthropist and a successful business man who contributed in promoting peace, unity, justice and development to his community, local government and state at large.
Also , the deputy speaker Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu CON while condoling with Nwoye family stated that late Pa Lawrence was a man of remarkable antecedents, who gave his all in service to humanity.
Senator Victor Umeh OFR in his contribution charged the family to bear the death with fortitude and thanksgiving to Almighty God for granting him long life.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo in a condolence message, enjoined the family to take heart and be consoled on the fact that their father did his best in providing transformative leadership to his community and beyond.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state In his tribute asserted that Pa Lawrence would be remembered for his dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his family and his immediate society .
Federal House member, Hon Uche Harris Okonkwo in his condolence message described Late Pa Lawrence Nwoye as an astute community leader who was a pillar of his own community, enjoining the family to be comforted by the good legacies he left behind.
Hon George Moghalu in his contribution, commended the family for giving their late father a befitting burial. Hon Obi Chukwuemekalum in his tribute described the deceased as a good man who guided and established so many successful men.
Hon Okwudili Nwankwo in his condolence message , eulogized late Pa Lawrence, for a life well spent, expressing joy that his children expecially Sen Tony Nwoye is taking after their father .
HRH Igwe Olisa Okonkwo of Alor and his brother Arinze Okonkwo in their similar contributions condoled with Nwoye family, enjoining them to take heart.
Also, Anambra state house member, Hon Ezenwa in his condolence message described the deceased as industrious man and peace loving man who really paid his dues.
Late Chief Lawrence Nwoye was born in 1935 to the family of Late Nwoye Nwabisi and Uzumma Nwoye Nwabisi of Umu- Akonanya kindred, Offianta village, Nsugbe. At his adult age, he was previlaged to be trained as a certified sewing Machine Technician/ Mechanic. He flourished in this career and later got married, a marriage that produced successful children including, Akunnia Francis, Ifeoma Ezeobi ( nee Nwoye), Ernest L.L.M.MCIArb, Sen Tony Nwoye ( current senator representing the people of Anambra North senatorial district) and others.
Late Chief Lawrence Nwoye after serving humanity at various capacities, was called back to God’s Kingdom on Monday , 26th of August, 2024.
