By Ingram Osigwe
“Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The ancient kingdom of Nkwere in Imo state was literally on lockdown with human and vehicular traffic on Thurday 9th April 2026 when former Commissioner of Culture and Tourism Imo state & Principal counsel, Crown Councellors & Co Law Firm,Abuja, Barr Chijioke Nzekwe buried his mother, the late Mrs Rachael Nzekwe.
Because of Barr. Nzekwe’s wide and extensive politcal reach and his enduring comradeship, his mother’s farewell was indeed carnival-like with dignitries from all walks of life and political heavy across political divide empting into Nkwere to grace the event.
The well attended and grand burial highlights the former Commissioner’s sagacity, contact connections, professional, business and political influence in Nigeria.
Speaking shortly after his mother was laid to rest, Barr. Nzekwe expressed immense gratitude to the dignitaries spared time to honour his late mother with their presence, saying he was overwhelmed by the love and support he received.
Fighting off tears, the legal luminary, in an emotional farewell described his late mother as an Amazon; heroine, kind and a Godly woman who spread love while alive.
“Today, my heart feels heavier than words can carry. Losing a woman like my mother comes with a searing pain that will last me a lifetime. This moment feels unreal—like a painful dream I am still hoping to wake up from. She was not just my mother; she were my shelter, my teacher, my quiet strength in every storm I faced.
“She held my hand when I was too small to understand the world, and even when I grew older, she never truly let go.Her voice was my comfort, her prayers my protection, her sacrifices the foundation of everything I have become.
“I see my mother in my values, in my resilience, in every good thing within me. She was kind. She was Godly. She was a heroine. She was an Amazon. She went about spreading love and laughter.
“How do I say goodbye to the woman who gave me life? How do I walk away from this place knowing I will no longer her you call my name the way only she could? It hurts deeply, more than I ever imagined it would.
But even in this pain, I am grateful. Grateful for her love, her wisdom, her endless patience. Grateful for the memories that will never fade—the laughter, the lessons, the quiet moments that meant everything to me. In everything, I give glory to God because He only giveth and taketh, I can’t question the majesty of God whom it has pleased to recall my loving mother home”, Nzekwe said.
Among the array of dignitaries in Nkwere to bid Mrs Nzekwe a befitting farewell were
HRH Eze Dr.C J Okwara VI
(Eshi Nkwerre), Sir & Lady Tony Ezenna
(Chairman, Orange Group), Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha,CON( former Executive Governor,Imo State, Sen Osita Izunaso, Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Sen. Samuel Nnaemeka( National Secretary, PDP)Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, (Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor), Sir Cosmas Iwu (SSG Imo State) Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri, PhD, Hon. Chidi Nwogu. Alh.kabiru Mohamed, RT .Hon Amechi Nwoha,Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Hon. Mike Ejiogu (Onowu),Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo, Chief Engr. Chibuike Achigbu (Akasha).
Others are : Arc. Chinyere Achigbu, Barr Chinedu Anyaehie, HRM Eze Barr Justin Ezeala Ezenwanne of Obinwanne Authonomous Community Umuaka),Chief Declan Nwokorie MD NNPC GAS MARKETING LTD, Chief Chijioke Uzoho (MD/CEO Gas Aggregation Company ),Chief Emeka Anyaehie, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Chief Tony Ebi,Pharm., Tony Ejieji; Chief Chineme Iheaku (Okosisi Ideato Nation) and Prince Marshal Okoraforanyanwu.
Also in Nkwere for the classy, grand burial of Barr. Nzekwe’s mother were Prince Marcon Okechukwu Nlemigbo, Amb. Okay Emuchay, Chief Demian Ezeagu, Chief Barr Emeh Ikenna, Hon. Carl Nwokoma Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Victor Assams, Hon Mayor Eze,Onyeka Mbaso, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Chris Okewulonu,Chuma Nnaji, Engr Ben Ekwueme, Chima “Oblong” Nnadi-Oforgu Onowu Mike Ejiogu, Hon. Bon Unachukwu, Barr. Emeka Mgbudem,Barr. Rex Anunobi, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, Chief Casmir Ojukwu,
Barr.Chiabu Onuobia, Hon. Barr .Eke Eze J, Hon.Barr Ibeawuchi J, Chief Barr. Adama Obiareri, Chief. Sir Barr.Stanley Onuora, Barr.Uche Osuji, Barr. Uche Igbokwe, Barr. Ifeanyi Ohuruzo DCP and Barr. Okey Ezeugwu (ACG RTD).
Also in attendance were: Barr. Briggs Amajoyi, Chief Iheanyi Nzekwe, Chief Chijioke Tassie ( Akunnia), Chief Henry Maduakolam (TPM OWERRE NKWOJI), Chief Alaoma Onwumere (Photo Lomas), Barr. Austn Otuekere, Chief A U Ajoku, Chief Chukwukere Ajoku, Engr . Mike Eze (President Nkwere Country Club), Barr. Bert. Igwilo (SAN), Barr. Stanley Imo (SAN), RY. HON. Barr. Emeka Maduagwu, General Godwin Umelo (Rtd ) and Hon. Jonas Okeke.
