Anambra Guber: Valentine Ozigbo Mourns With Sir Andy Azike As He Buries His Father

Anambra Guber: Valentine Ozigbo Mourns With Sir Andy Azike As He Buries His Father

Coneri Magazine

Awka, Anambra State

Valentine Ozigbo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Anambra state November election, on Friday, August 6, 2021, joined the Azike family in Umuezeiyi Village, Achina, Aguata Local Government Area as they bid the last farewell to their father, Late Pa James Afuleke Azike, who passed on to glory at the ripe age of 98 years. 

Pa James was the father of Chief Andy Azike (Ogbujiopia), a renowned businessman, a PDP stalwart, and an ardent supporter of the Ka Anambra Chawapu Movement. 

The burial ceremony began with a requiem mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Achina, presided over by His Lordship, Most Revd Dr Peter Okpaleke, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, alongside seven other priests. 

While speaking during the holy mass, Bishop Okpalaeke reminded the congregants of the real essence of living, "which is touching the lives of our fellow brethren in the service of God and humanity". 

In his homily, Bishop Okpaleke emphasised the need for Christians to remember that the essence of our existence lies in the life after this one, which is why we need to use the resources and opportunities God has blessed us with to prepare for the one after here. 

He described Late Pa James as a man who lived a very fulfilled life, recounting the numerous ways he positively touched people's lives. As a retired headmaster and a strong pillar of the Catholic Church in Achina, late Pa James Azike contributed immensely to the community, especially in character formation and human capital development. 

In his condolence message, Ozigbo, the immediate Past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, expressed deep feelings of grief and sadness over the death of Pa James Azike, whom he described as "a community leader of great impact and repute". 

Mr Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO, thanked God for all the good things of life with which he blessed the deceased, and for granting him the longevity of life to live out his full potentials which enabled him to contribute productively to the society. 

"When my brother Andy called to inform me of his father's demise, I felt sad because we have lost a legendary father, a community builder of great impact and repute, and a custodian of societal values," Ozigbo said. 

"In the natural cycle of life, we will all part ways with our loved ones, but no matter how well prepared and predisposed we are about this concept of death, we still feel the pain of sorrow and the  sadness of losing our beloved. 

"While we mourn Papa's demise, we are also comforted in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life. Papa dedicated his days to a holistic upbringing of his children and every child he comes across. As a teacher, the impacts of his teachings are evident and will continue to shine even brighter now that he is gone. 

"For us, today, it is a celebration of a life well spent. We are hopeful that Papa has gone to enjoy the beatific vision promised us by Christ, in whom he believed while on earth. 

"I join in praying for the peaceful repose of Papa's soul. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and find the most appropriate ways to fill the vacuum created by his death," Ozigbo prayed. 

Dr Lawrence Azike, on behalf of the family, thanked Valentine Ozigbo for being "a true and reliable family friend". He recalled how Ozigbo has shown support in different ways, bringing succour and comfort ever since their mourning began. 

Dr Azike prayed that the good intentions and ambitions of Valentine Ozigbo, especially the zeal to lead the good people of Anambra state, will come to fruition.

Ozigbo was accompanied to the condolence visit by billionaire agribusiness tycoon, Chief Sunday Ezeobiora; Chief Tony Offiah, the Director of Finance in the VCO Campaign Organisation; Mr Gerry Ozigbo, and other members of the VCO Campaign Organisation.