…As Bishop Obi extols late Andy Love’s peaceful life, charges children to uphold his legacies
By Akuma Ebere
The remains of late Mr Andrew Chukwunwendu Esomnofu, popularly known as Andy Love, have been laid to rest in his country home at Oba, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, amid tributes from family members, clergy, colleagues and well-wishers.
Mr Esomnofu, who died at the age of 74, was the father of Rev. Dr. Chiedozie Esomnofu, a priest of the Anglican Communion under the Diocese of Nnewi and a lecturer at the College of Education, Nsugbe. The burial ceremony attracted dignitaries from far and near, reflecting the impact of the deceased on his community and beyond.
The burial rites commenced with a church service held at the late Andy Love’s compound and presided over by the Bishop of Nnewi Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev’d Ndubuisi Obi, who was joined by a host of priests and clergy.
In his sermon, Bishop Obi thanked God for the life and times of the deceased, describing him as a man who lived peacefully and left behind admirable legacies. He urged the children and family members to be consoled by the fulfilled and impactful life their father lived and encouraged them to emulate his positive values, particularly his commitment to peace and service.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the first son of the family, Mr Chukwuanugo Victor Esomnofu, popularly known as Buggy Show and a senior Credit and Risk Analyst with Rosabon Financial Services Ltd, Abuja, expressed gratitude to God for the successful burial ceremony.
He described his late father as a loving and kind man, attributes which earned him the popular nickname Andy Love. According to him, the deceased worked for 35 years at the College of Education, Nsugbe, before retiring meritoriously.
“He left a landmark not just in our family but in the whole of Oba. He built a strong heritage and made a name for himself. We promise to sustain the legacies he left behind and we will not let him down,” he said.
Mr Esomnofu added that the family was overwhelmed by the massive turnout of people from all walks of life who came to honour their father. He prayed for journey mercies for all guests and reaffirmed his commitment, as the first son, to continue caring for his siblings, noting that he had already assumed that responsibility during their father’s four-year illness.
Also speaking, Rev. Dr. Chiedozie Esomnofu described their late father as a peacemaker, mentor and hardworking man whose legacies would continue to endure. He expressed deep appreciation to the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, the Archdeaconry, priests, clergy, kinsmen and all sympathisers who stood by the family during the period of mourning.
“We are grateful for your prayers, presence and support. May God protect and reward everyone who came to be with us,” he prayed.
Several family members, friends and well-wishers who spoke at the event, including Mrs Onuorah (Quality), Mr Nebo Akachukwu (Angel), Mr Chibuike Okafor (Blessed), Ven. Dr Charles Nnaemeka, Mr Ogbonna Lawrence and others, described the life of the late Andy Love as remarkable and inspiring. They consoled the family and urged the children to sustain their father’s virtues by living in peace and unity.
The burial ceremony ended on a note of thanksgiving, with many attendees describing it as a befitting farewell for a man whose life touched many.
