By Mokwugwo Solomon
The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Nnobi Ward 1, Idemili South local government area of Anambra, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, bid farewell to their deceased chairman, Chief Iyke Francis Ezeanya, who joined his ancestors at the age of 52.
Late Ezeanya from Umuafor Village, Ebenesi, Nnobi, was until his death on February 13, 2025, the chairman of APGA in Nnobi Ward 1. He was also a member of CMO at Holy Spirit Parish, Omagba Phaze II, Onitsha; Treasurer of Nnobi Welfare Organization; Chairman of Ebenesi Brothers, Onitsha; among others.
Speaking during a condolence visit at Ezeanya’s country home, Nnobi, Member of Anambra State House of Assembly, Representing Idemili South State Constituency, Hon. (Barr) Ebuka Igwe JP Esq, who led the party members to the condolence visit, asked the family to take heart and accept Chief Ezeanya’s demise as God’s design for his life; adding that the party would not cease to identify with the family, especially at this time of grief.
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha FNIPR, a member of APGA in the ward, announced “university scholarship” to the deceased’s first daughter, Kaira; saying that the offer was to give relief to the family, especially late Ezeanya’s wife.
The Mayor of Idemili South local government area, Hon. Mrs Amaka Obi (Ifeabata), who led her own team to the condolence visit, described the deceased as a true APGA faithful, community leader, philanthropist and a good family man.
She condoled with the family, especially his wife and children, asking them not to continue in their mourning; but to have hope in God.
Hon Kezito Anoliefo, the APGA chairman in Idemili South LGA, who led the executive members and stakeholders of APGA in Idemili South local government area, also condoled with the family of late Chief Francis Ezeanya; urging them to be consoled by the single reason that their patriarch left good name that will pave way for the family.
In their own condolence message, Udo Di Mma Age Grade, were Late Francis Ezeanya belonged, bemoned the demise of their member; saying that he died at the prime of his life.
Speaking through their chairman, Chief CharleyPaul Obidike, the club urged his wife to take absolute care of the children, so that they wouldn’t feel the vacuum created by the demise of their father.
The deceased’s family friend Chief Chukwuemeka Nzeabalu, also asked the family to accept their father’s death as the will of God.
Also speaking, a stakeholder of APGA in Nnobi Ward 1, Lord (Dr) Mike Omenugha (Ichie Obama Nnobi), said he received news of Francis Ezeanya’s death as a rude shock, and prayed God to accept his soul in paradise.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the family, the deceased’s younger brother, Rev. Fr. Gerald Ezeanya, expressed his family’s worries over the death of his brother. He also thanked priests, the religious, lay faithful, friends and well wishers, who consoled them in their time of mourning.
Earlier in his homily during a requiem Mass at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebenesi, Nnobi, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Dominic Obielosi, said that the difference between the living and the dead is that the living still has the grace and time to amend their ways; while the dead is already faced with the throne of judgement, when he has no opportunity to make amends.
Fr. Obielosi urged the faithful to mend their ways while they’re faced with the throne of grace.
While urging the deceased’s family members not to mourn like people, who have no hope, Fr. Obielosi asked the faithful to commit the deceased to their prayers for peaceful repose of his soul, and to also pray for the dependants of the deceased, so that they wouldn’t remain in grief.
A stakeholder in Nnobi, Chief Barr. Chidi Ezenyi, who is also a member of Igwe-in-Council (IIC) said that death is inevitable to mankind, and urged the family of late Chief Francis Ezeanya not to mourn like people who have no hope; but to remember that there is resurrection. He also prayed for peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
Nnobi Friends Club, were Late Chief Francis Ezeanya belonged, also condoled with the family, urging them to take heart on their father’s death.
Speaking through their President, Chief Dozie Okeke, the Friends Club, said it pained them hearing about their member’s death. They said however that his wife and children will not suffer, because, their father left a legacy that will pave way for them.
In his seperate remarks, the Kingmaker of Nnobi Community, Chief John Ojukwuisiani described the deceased as his close ally and a gentelman who loves his people and committed to the progress of his community, said he is deeply saddened by the news of his death
Chief Emeka Emenike, who is the Chairman/CEO Oxygen Hotels Ltd and one of the founding members of Nnobi Friends Club, said that when the group heard about sudden illness of their member, Late Francis Ezeanya, they reached out to him immediately for financially support. He, however regretted that despite all efforts to help him recover, he died finally.
While praying for peaceful repose of the deceased, Emenike condoled with the family, urging them to take heart; while assuring that the club will always be supportive to the family.
