Lolo Catherine Nwazunafia Orizu, the wife of the traditional ruler of Nnewi community, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III was laid to rest in a colourful event on October 24, 2024 as scores of personalities from far and near gathered to bid her farewell.
Among the dignitaries who attended the burial were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a recognized member of Igwe Nnewi-in- Council; the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze; Igwe Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu; Chief Cletus Ibeto; the CEO of Chicason Group, Chief Chika Okafor; the CEO of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma; the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese; Rt Rev. Ndubuisi Obi; Mr. Frank Nneji; CEO of Chisco Transport Ltd, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu; the CEO of KOTEC Group, Chief Chika Emenike; Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese; Rt. Revd. Dr. Godwin Okpala, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN; the Obi Umudim, Obi Bennett Okafor; Obi Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba, and many others numerous to mention.
It was a moment of grief for the royal family and the entire Nnewi community. The event, however, was so heavily attended that the Igwe’s palace was filled to to the brim with the prominent personalities and well-wishers from within and outside the country who came to pay their last respect to the departed Lolo Igwe.
The burial event showcased an admixture of solemnity and respect for the late Lolo, reflecting on the customs and tradition of Nnewi people.
The deceased was said to have commanded huge respects among her people for her numerous contributions to the development of Nnewi community.
The sympathizers in their diverse categories expressed condolences to the bereaved royal family and asked them to bear the loss with fortitude.
While commenting on his late wife, the Igwe described Lolo as a pillar of strength and compassion. He pinpointed her immeasurable dedication to her family and community in her lifetime.
In various tributes, her commitment and philanthropic gesture towards uplifting the living condition of women and children in Nnewi was said to be second to none. Many recalled her contributions to education and healthcare delivery in Nnewi community.
Chief Daniel Chukwudozie of the Dozzy Group described the late Lolo Igwe as a wonderful woman who he said made her marks significantly in her lifetime and prayed that God would give her spirit eternal rest as he asked the royal family and the entire Nnewi community to bear the loss with fortitude.
Prayers and traditional rites were offered in honour of the deceased while homage continued for the third day.
