By Silvernews
The funeral Mass for the late Chief Mrs. Ezinne Christiana Opara was held amid an outpouring of tributes from family members, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, captains of industry and friends who gathered to celebrate her life and legacy.
The Mass was officiated by Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja, with Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, and other Catholic bishops, priests, religious leaders, clergymen, family members and well-wishers in attendance.
Speaking during the funeral Mass, the first son of the deceased, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of CSS Global Integrated Farms, described his mother’s life as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and a miracle.
Prof. Opara recalled that in 1984, when his mother was seemingly at the point of death, she gave him all she had, only for God to spare her life and grant her an additional 42 years.
He likened his mother’s experience to the biblical account of King Hezekiah, whose life was extended by 15 years following divine intervention. According to him, the additional 42 years granted to his mother gave her the opportunity to continue touching lives through compassion, generosity and service to humanity.
Among the dignitaries at the funeral were former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; presidential candidate Peter Obi; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Abia State Governor Alex Otti; and Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented by his Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru.
Also present were former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel; former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Prof. Viola Onwuliri; former Aviation Minister Mrs. Kema Chikwe; Chairman of the Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR), Prof. Eddie Oparaoji; and captains of industry led by Fidelity Bank Executive Director Sir Stanley Amuchie.
Traditional rulers were led by Eze Clatus Ilomuanya and Eze Reginald Amadi, alongside other traditional rulers and community leaders. Legislators were led by the member representing Aboh Mbaise in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie.
The burial activities began with a two-day community outreach across Imo State, reaching children, young people and the elderly through various acts of kindness in loving memory of Chief Mrs. Ezinne Christiana Opara.
The family said the outreach was organised not only to honour her memory but also to carry forward the values she lived by—compassion, generosity, love, dignity and service to humanity.
They said every smile, helping hand and life touched through the outreach would remain a lasting tribute to a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
