The remains of the late Ezinne Rebecca Nzu Adigwe (née Okobi), who passed on at the age of 97, were committed to mother earth on Friday, June 26, 2026, at her husband’s family compound in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, amid tributes celebrating a life of faith, service, and enduring family values.
The burial followed a well-attended funeral service held in her honour at All Saints Anglican Church, Issele-Uku, where Anglican clergy, family members, friends, political leaders, professional associates and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her remarkable life.
The funeral service was officiated by a team of Anglican clergy led by the Supervisor and Parish Priest of the Church, Reverend Canon Emmanuel Nwanekwu, who challenged Christians to live lives worthy of God’s approval.
Delivering the homily titled “Check Your Ways,” Reverend Canon Nwanekwu reminded the congregation that earthly life is temporary and urged everyone to begin preparing for eternity through righteous living.
He said every individual would one day give account before God, stressing that people would be judged not only by their actions but also by how their lifestyles affected others.
The cleric warned against deceit, selfishness, secrecy, exploitation and lifestyles that inflict pain on neighbours, emphasizing that genuine success is measured by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others.
Citing the Scriptures, including Colossians 2:8 and Matthew 24, he cautioned worshippers against being led astray and declared that the greatest inheritance parents can leave for their children is the exemplary life they live.
Among dignitaries at the funeral service were the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Tina Chinye; the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Political Matters, Dr. Jaunty Okwudi; Chairman of the APC in the Area, Sir Mathew Chinye; the Chairman and Managing Director of Nelrose Hotel, Asaba, Prince Uzoma Idabor; the Special Adviser to the Council Chairman, Hon. Ndubuisi Osemene; and the Head of Personnel Management of Aniocha North Local Government, Mrs. Elizabeth Ojefia.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the funeral service, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, paid glowing tribute to the deceased, describing the late Ezinne Rebecca Adigwe as a devout and God-fearing woman whose exemplary upbringing of her children and positive influence on everyone who came in contact with her reflected a life distinguished by integrity, compassion and selfless service.
The Council Chairman said the nonagenarian lived an exemplary life that left lasting impressions on her family, the Church and the wider community, adding that her virtues remain worthy of emulation.
Hon. Chinye condoled with the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss of their beloved mother.
He added that although Ezinne Rebecca Adigwe had departed this earthly life, the enduring legacy of love, faith, discipline and selfless service she bequeathed would continue to inspire not only her family and loved ones but also generations to come.
Also present was the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyovbaire Onohwakpo, who led members of the union to pay their last respects to the deceased.
In an emotional tribute, one of the deceased’s daughters, Mrs. Amaka Christia Ikenwa, a journalist and Public Relations practitioner with the Delta State Local Government Service Commission serving in Aniocha North Local Government, described her late mother as her greatest source of love, strength and prayers.
Fondly addressing her as “Mama Oliwe” and “My Lioness,” Mrs. Ikenwa recalled her mother’s unwavering care, sacrifices, godly counsel and steadfast support throughout her life, including her invaluable role during childbirth and her unconditional love for her family.
She expressed gratitude for her mother’s countless prayers and nurturing spirit, describing her as not only a devoted mother to her children but also a caring mother to the Church and everyone privileged enough to know her.
Believing that her mother now rests peacefully with the Lord she faithfully served, Mrs. Ikenwa prayed that the angels would receive her into eternal glory while assuring her that her memories and values would continue to live on in the hearts of those she left behind.
Following the interment, guests were entertained at a colourful reception held at the Omado Primary School Field, Issele-Uku.
The reception attracted members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) led by the Aniocha North Branch Chairman, Comrade Collins Ogwugwua, as well as members of Unique Ladies for Sheriff, led by their Aniocha North Coordinator, Chief Mrs. Dorothy Udeh, alongside other relatives, friends, associates, and sympathizers.
The late Ezinne Rebecca Nzu Adigwe is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other family members, including her daughter, Mrs. Amaka Christia Ikenwa, whose moving tribute reflected the profound impact the nonagenarian made during her lifetime.
