Tributes galore as Lady Cordelia Ogbonne Anibeze is laid to rest in Enugu State

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By Madu Obi

It was tributes galore at the weekend at Obodongwu Ozom, Aguobu Owa, Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State, as the remains of Lady Cordelia Ogbonne Anibeze, the mother of the Editor of Saturday Vanguard, Onochie Anibeze, were laid to rest.

Lady Anibeze, who died at the age of 94 years, was an ardent Catholic and women leader in many organizations.

In fact, many people in Aguobu Owa said the community had never witnessed the kind of influx of personalities to the area in their history and described the late Anibeze as woman of substance.

Apart from Enugu State government whose large delegation was led by the deputy governor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, the Vanguard Media family, led by the Editor and President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, also stole the show at Aguobu Owa with their intimidating presence.

Also, the staff of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, where one of the sons of Lady Cordelia Anibeze, Professor Chike Anibeze, is the Director of Academic Planning, were fully on ground and ensured that everything was carried out according to plan.

Similarly, all the old and current players of Enugu Rangers International Football Club, led by Chairman Christian Chukwu, who are close allies of Onochie Anibeze, were at the ceremony, as well as traditional rulers, the academia and politicians from various parts of Enugu State.

Among those who paid tribute to the late Lady Anibeze were the Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mba, his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodinma, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Gregory Obi, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Senator representing Enugu West and Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu and former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Ernest Obodo, who presided at the burial Mass, was assisted by 12 other priests.

The Bishop, in his homily, described Lady Anibeze as a hardworking woman who, though widowed at the age of 36, was able to train all her children who are excelling in their various professions.

He urged everyone to always prepare for death, which must come, noting that most times, people do not want to talk about death because they are afraid of it.

He said: "We are afraid to die because we are holding on to the things of life. Everybody will die one day, whether we are poor or rich. We should, therefore, live life as if we will die the next hour because by so doing, we will be fully prepared for the judgment that will come after death."

The good thing about Madam Anibeze is that her children looked after her very well. Though she lost her husband at the age of 36 years, she never lost hope in life.

"During her lifetime, she never feared to handle any challenge that faced her and the people, in all the places she lived, testified to that. God has therefore given a place of rest for her."

The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Ossai, who spoke on behalf of Governor Mba, urged members of Anibeze family to bear the loss of their mother with fortitude.

" We pray with you at this hour of your grief and as Christians, you have to endure, knowing that your mother has gone to rest with the Lord," he stated.

Professor Chike Anibeze, who spoke on behalf of his siblings, thanked everyone that consoled the family in their time of grief.

He paid glowing tribute to their late mother saying, "Despite the overwhelming responsibilities she bore as a single mother, Lady Cordelia established herself as one of the most remarkable women of her generation.

" Her strength of character, tireless work ethic and devotion to her community, made her a figure of inspiration. She was a woman who not only raised a family, but also contributed to the society around her in profound and lasting ways.

Her legacy lives on, not only in the achievements of her children, but in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom and integrity.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we are reminded that her spirit, teachings and love will continue to shape our lives."