Remains of late Sir (Barr)Damian Okolo arrive Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity,Onitsha,for funeral mass-Archdiocesan Chancellor,Basilica Rector,Peter Obi,knights,others pay tribute

By Ononye VC
The remains of late Sir (Barr) Damian Okolo mni,KSM,KSG,foremost Estate Surveyor of the Okolo-Okolo fame in the South East particularly Onitsha,Nnewi and Awka,on Wednesday,arrived the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity,his parish in Onitsha,where a funeral mass was celebrated for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The funeral mass at the Basilica was one of the rites of passage to prepare his remains for burial after a burial mass at St Peter Claver Catholic Church,Nnewi on Friday,12th April 2024.
Over half a dozen priests concelebrated the funeral mass with the Chief Celebrant,Very Rev Fr Dr Prudentius Emeka Aroh,the Chancellor of the Archdiocese and the Rector of the Basilica Very Rev Monsignor Nwokedi Francis Ezumezu.
In his opening remarks,Rev Fr Emeka Aroh described the late Sir Damian as a great gift to the Archdiocese of Onitsha,where he made numerous positive contributions towards it’s growth.
According to the Chancellor,the late Sir Okolo’s commitment to his faith was top notch adding that he was a straightforward man and also a gift to the knights of St Mulumba,Nigeria.
“We therefore gather here to thank God for the gift of Sir Damian since it is God that gives life and takes away”.
Delivering his homily,Very Rev Fr Austin Oburota described the late Sir Damian Okolo as a popular person who touched many lives while alive.
He also described Okolo’s life as a “Gospel” which other people must read and learn from.
“We can only remember so many good things about him(Okolo).His life was about the life of a Christian who followed the way of Christ till the end”,Fr Oburota said.
Rector of the Basilica,Very Rev Monsignor Nwokedi Ezumezu in his closing remarks,expressed appreciation to those who made out time to attend the mass.
He gave special thanks to the late Okolo’s wife,Lady Uche Okolo for bracing up to the challenges of the loss of her beloved husband and ensured that she arranged a befitting Catholic burial for him.
Ex Governor Peter Obi who is also a Papal Knight of the church was around to pay tribute with many other dignitaries,knights of the church,members of the religious,friends and well-wishers of the deceased and members of his family.