…Gov. Peter Mbah, Chief Uche Nnaji, Mr. Frank Nweke II, Nnolim Nnaji, other personalities in attendance
Ikenna Igwe and Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu
It was an outpouring of emotions and encomiums as Engr. Raymond Nwobodo Okenwa was laid to rest in his country-home in Oruku, Nkanu-East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The funeral which drew the people from all walks of life was held on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Speaking during the funeral mass, the Catholic Priest, taking his sermon from the gospel of Matthew 5 vs 12, urged everyone to be steadfast in doing the right thing, stating that “we are here to celebrate God for the mighty grace he granted him [Late Okenwa) to be faithful to his words and commandments”.
“Wealth as measured by the world is measured by how much you have made in this life, the prestige you possess and influence one can command but it isn’t how our heavenly father measures success. He measures it by the degree of your faithfulness and obedience to His commandments”.
He highlighted the fact that Late Engr R.N Okenwa had flaws “…like any one of us, that is why we are charged today that by our prayers, heavens will grant him eternal rest on the bosom of the Lord”.
Encomiums
Speaking to PACESETTER about the legacies of his father, the first son of Late Engr. Raymond Nwobodo Okenwa, Ajumchkwu Raymond Okenwa said:
“We all know why we are here. We are here to lay a great man to rest and commit his remains to mother earth.
“R.N Okenwa was a household name in Nkanu land, a name that stands for honesty, integrity and simplicity”.
He described his late father as a well loved man, one that was very generous man and willing to go the extra mile for those around him.
He thanked everyone that came around to mourn with them and specially thanked the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
Also, Sir S.N.C Nwagu, the Chancellor, Ikenga Nkanu Worldwide, described the Late Engr. Okenwa as “…a legend, a brother, and hero, whom his people has decided to pay back for his good works”.
He consoled the family and prayed that God gives them a better life, so the genealogy will continue moving forward.
A former Minister of Information and ex Director General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Mr. Frank Nweke II, who also spoke to PACESETTER described the deceased as a well accomplished public servant, “who nearly spent his entire life in the service of our people, rising up to the level of federal permanent secretary”.
“Today, we are here to bid him farewell because he loved our people, served our people, and fought for our people”.
He explained that the Late R.N Okenwa stood “as an inspiration and example of what it means to be a good human being and responsible member of any society and to be selfless in the service of humanity”.
The Burial Committee Chairman, Hon. Prince Paul Nnaji also took time to thank attendees and guests for the solidarity and support shown to the family of Late Engr. Raymond Okenwa.
Dignitaries who attended the burial were the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji; Former Minister of Information and ex Director General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Mr. Frank Nweke II; the Member representing Nkanu East & West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji; the Chairman of the governing council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Comr. Fidelis Edeh; his counterpart at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa; Sen. Gil Nnaji and the Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh.
Others were the council chairman of Nkanu-East, Hon. Sydney Edeh; his Nkanu-West counterpart, Chief John Ogbodo; Enugu East Counterpart, Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike; Dr. Ibenaku Onoh of Enugu North; Hon. Caleb Ani of Enugu South; Traditional Rulers and so many others.