By Ummi Ismaeel (just back from Nnewi)
Death is an inevitable end to all humans and it is important we do the right things when we are alive to be sure of eternity and our children and those coming after us will be happy and proud of us.
These were the words of exhortation by the presiding Priest, Chikwendu Ezeani, of the Godian Religion Unubi in Nnewi-South Local Government Council, during the burial ceremony of the late Pa Ben Ebe Igwilo of Nkwukwo village over the weekend.
Ezeani also expressed regrets that many people fail to consider their action and inactions with the common impression that ‘it doesn’t matter’, adding that “what never mattered to us, while we were alive and strong could be a big hindrance to those we are leaving behind to mourn us.”
The priest, who described the late Pa Igwilo, popularly called “Umunnabuike’’ as a peacemaker said, “The foundation created for your children can be a testimony or source of worry to their future growth and that is why it is important for every man or woman to mend his/her ways right before his creator”.
The late Pa Igwilo, who died at the age of 98, he said, was a yam farmer in Aba in Abia State before his disengagement as the Production Manager from U O O Group of Companies, adding that the deceased never hid his love for children and humanity in general hence he will be missed by many people who are not even his biological children.
“Why many homes are in disarray today is because parents were never in close touch or monitoring/ mentoring of their children on the need to embrace and appreciate their culture instead of the negative traits they learn from western world most of which tend to cause adverse negative effects on present day Nigerian youths,” he said.
The priest therefore enjoined all to always strive to live good legacies that would be emulated while they were gone to meet their creator because, “Life is transcient, we do not know the hour death will come calling and what we will be required to give account of our sojourn on earth by our maker”.
In a tribute, the eldest son to the deceased, Chukwuemeka Igwilo, described the late Pa Igwilo as a role models he would forever remember and be proud of, adding that, though he is dead, “I will not say good bye because I know we will meet to part nomore”. Chukwuemeka, who is an Army Officer, however, promised to uphold the good legacies his father bequeathed on him by ensuirng that the family not only remains together but build more bridges of understanding among all his kinsmen, clan and the entire community.
