…Gov Mbah, Commissioners, Others In Attendance

By Joseph Joy and Eze Shedrack

Three bishops in Enugu and no fewer than 42 Priests on Thursday officiated the requiem mass of Mrs Lucy Ezinne Onuzulike Okolie, the mother of Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie.

Held at the St Michael’s Cathedral, Awgu Town, Enugu, the three bishops are: host and officiating bishop, Most Rev John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga and Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Professor Godfrey Onah who sent in a representative.

In his homily, a priest, Rev. Fr. Leonard Ilechukwu, admonished the congregation to be conscious of their relationship with God and humanity all the time.

He described the deceased as a virtuous and humble woman who never allowed affluence to get on the way of her relationship with fellow human beings.

Reverend Ilechukwu noted that the late Ezinne laid solid moral and educational foundations for all her children, adding that she was an ambassador of Christ on earth.

While lauding the giant strides of ESUT Vice Chancellor, he remarked that Prof. Aloysius Okolie’s administration had transformed the University through quality research outputs, improved staff and students welfare and critical infrastructure upgrade.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, Thursday, led other top government functionaries to grace the burial ceremony of late Onuzuluike Okolie.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, ESUT Governing Council, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, immediate past Vice-Chancellor ESUT, Professor Charles Eze, Commissioners for Water Resources and Environment and climate Change, Dr Felix Nnamani and Prof Sam Ugwu, respectively

Others include Enugu State Commissioner for Housing Development, Hon. Dr Martin Chukwunweike, who represented Gov. Mbah; former Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu; former Commissioner for Information, Enugu State, Godwin Udeuhele; and more than 50 Reverend fathers.

Others were Principal Officers of ESUT, (past and present) Deans, Directors and Professors led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chike Nwoha and the Registrar Chief Ambrose Ugwu, Equally present were some Heads of other Tertiary Institutions, Captains of Industries, Traditional Rulers among other dignitaries.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Chike Nwoha, who spoke on behalf of the ESUT at the burial ceremony described the late matriarch as an exemplary christian and community leader.

He enjoined the Okolies not to mourn like the unbelievers, adding that life has no end for those who live in Christ. He also thanked the ESUT community for their massive attendance, support and solidarity to the Vice Chancellor at the solemn moment.

Aged 81, late Lucy Onuzulike Okolie died on March 5, 2024 leaving behind eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.