The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo Chapter, was visibly present on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as Umuoye Imerienwe in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area stood still to honour the life and legacy of Ezinne Lolo Beatrice Nwaogbo Ekechi (née Onuoha).
The association joined a wide spectrum of dignitaries, sports stakeholders and community leaders in paying final respects at what turned out to be a solemn yet regal farewell for the revered matriarch.
The burial rites formally commenced on Friday, January 2, with a Christian wake that set the tone for thanksgiving and reflection on a life devoted to family, faith and community service. The following day, emotions peaked during the funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Imerienwe, where tributes, hymns and homilies vividly captured the virtues of humility, discipline and compassion that defined the late Ezinne Ekechi.
SWAN Imo’s presence was particularly symbolic, given the strong bond between the sports media body and the Ekechi family through sports development. Members of the association, led by its Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, and represented at the event by Amadi Chijioke Divine (DJ Dica Divine), joined sports administrators, footballers and community youths to honour the woman who raised High Chief Dr. T.O.E. Ekechi, PhD (Ugo Eji Ejemba), a renowned sports entrepreneur and founder of the T.O.E Ekechi Unity Cup.
Following the church service, the funeral procession moved to the Ekechi Family Arena, which was transformed into a colourful reception venue. Cultural performances, music and warm interactions reflected the Igbo belief that a fulfilled life deserves celebration, even in death. The event seamlessly blended tradition, faith and festivity, underscoring the enduring legacy of the departed matriarch.
The occasion also attracted an imposing array of political and traditional dignitaries. In attendance were Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and his wife, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Imo State Chief of Staff, Barrister Nnamdi Anyaehie; former Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ezenwa Onyewuchi and Patrick Ndubueze, alongside traditional rulers and captains of industry from across the region.
For the sports community and SWAN Imo in particular, the farewell was also a celebration of continuity. The late Ezinne Ekechi was remembered as the matriarch whose values birthed initiatives like the decade-long T.O.E Ekechi Unity Cup, whose 2025 final was decided on penalties just days earlier.
As guests departed Imerienwe, one message remained clear: Ezinne Lolo Beatrice Nwaogbo Ekechi lived with dignity, raised a legacy of impact, and was honoured in death by the very society her life helped to shape.
