Onuigbo joins other well-meaning Ikwuano Sons, Daughters in bidding farewell to Elder Ozueruonye, says life of deceased worthy of emulation

The Member representing the South East at the Board of the North East Development Commission and former two-term Member of the Federal House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Rep. Sir Chief Sam Onuigbo, Odozi Obodo, joined the people of Ikwuano as they gathered in honour of one of their most accomplished sons, the late Elder High Chief Vincent Chituru Ozueruonye, whose impactful life of service, integrity, and excellence has come to a noble close.

Chief Onuigbo, who was accompanied by his beloved wife, Pastor Dame Princess Chinyere Onuigbo, graced the funeral ceremony which held at Itunta, Agbo Ibere Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, with grace and compassion, underscoring the depth of his personal and familial connection to the deceased. Elder Ozueruonye was the father of Engineer Chris Ozueruonye, the Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, and a foster son to Rep. Onuigbo.

In his heartfelt tribute, Onuigbo described the late Elder Ozueruonye as a great and fulfilled man who contributed immensely to the development of his community and the educational upliftment of many.

He noted that Elder Ozueruonye’s path to becoming a school principal was unjustly delayed due to systemic challenges within the state education authorities, which led to repeated transfers without the deserved promotion. Upon being informed of the injustice, Chief Onuigbo personally intervened. His strategic and timely intervention was instrumental in accelerating the long-overdue promotion of Elder Ozueruonye to the position of school principal, a role befitting his intellect and service.

Highlighting the enduring legacies of the late educationist, Onuigbo commended Elder Ozueruonye’s indelible impact, not only within his professional life but also in the lives of his children and his community.

He celebrated the fact that the late Elder produced the first female lawyer and the first engineer from the Itunta community.

Engineer Chris Ozueruonye, his son, has served as a valued and trusted member of the Onuigbo family since 2015 when their paths crossed during his National Youth Service Corps year.

“Elder Ozueruonye was a pillar of excellence, a committed Christian, a beacon of integrity, and a true champion of education. His passing is a monumental loss to Ikwuano, Abia State, and Nigeria at large,” Onuigbo said, adding that he remains proud to have stood with the family in their moments of celebration and now in their time of grief.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Chinedu Francis Madu, son-in-law to the deceased, extolled the moral and intellectual values that defined the Ozueruonye family. He expressed profound gratitude for the honour of marrying into a lineage of thinkers, leaders, and pathfinders, inspired by the late Elder High Chief’s lifelong commitment to education and moral leadership.

The funeral service was conducted by The Right Reverend Dr. Udo U. Nmeregini, Bishop of Ndoro Diocese, who delivered a stirring sermon reminding mourners that a life well lived, no matter how brief, is a blessing to humanity. Drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus Christ and the biblical figure Job, the Bishop called on all present to be steadfast in faith, resilient in trials, and focused on eternity.

The Bishop lauded Elder Ozueruonye’s commitment to Christian values, describing him as a man who journeyed every Sunday from Umuahia to Itunta to serve in God’s vineyard, and one who remained faithful despite life’s difficulties. “He was a servant of God in words and in deeds,” he declared.

As the community mourns the exit of a true icon, the presence of Chief Sam Onuigbo and his family at the funeral underscored his enduring commitment to the people of Ikwuano, and to honouring those who have laboured in truth, excellence, and community development.

The people of Ikwuano, and indeed all who witnessed this solemn but glorious farewell, left reminded that the measure of a man lies not just in his years, but in the lives he touched – a legacy both Elder Ozueruonye and Chief Onuigbo embody with distinction.