By Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
Tears rolled uncontrollably on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Umuodum village, Mbaukwu in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, where the senator representing Anambra South at the national assembly, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, bade farewell to the late regional manager of the Capital Oil and Gas Ltd.
Odum, 42, was among those killed on the 11th of September, 2022, when unknown gunmen attacked Ifeanyi Ubah’s convoy along Enugwu-Ukwu road in Njikoka LGA.
Speaking at the graveside of the deceased, Senator Ubah, who was in tears, described Mr. Odum’s demise as a heart breaker too costly to be forgotten in a haste.
He said, “Today, being Saturday; October 8, 2022, I attend the funeral of my late Regional Manager; Mr. Odum Ikechukwu at Mbaukwu, Awka South LGA, Anambra State.
“Until his demise, late Odum Ikechukwu was a person everyone wanted to reckon with. Remarkably, endearing inside-out, a bundle of inspiration to all around him; a kind soul and wise counsel whose good deeds are inexpressible in words. Unfortunately, death snatched him from us helplessly. He was a truly magnificent man whose humility, openness and guidance will be cherished forever.
“Till date, I am still shocked, saddened and traumatized by the gruesomeness that took him from us. So many times, I have tried to make sense of this, and tried to understand the reason why this happened. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers, and as difficult and painful as it is, we must accept that this is the will of God.
“Undoubtedly, his demise has left a void in my heart as he was not just my regional manager, but also a brother, strong pillar of support and confidant, who was always there for me each single moment that he was called upon. However, while l mourn today, I have also taken comfort in the fact that he lived a productive and an impact filled life worthy of emulation.”
Senator Ubah thanked his friends and colleagues that attended the funeral; including Senator Uche Ekwunife, Senator Victor Umeh, Hon Uche Okafor (Wiper), Prof. Umenweke, Chief Vin. Onyeka, Ugodan, Emeka B.B, Chief Edwin Igbokwe, Hon. Juliet Chukwunonye Anaeme (Ada Ozubulu) and other notable personalities too numerous to mention.
The former senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Chief (Sir) Victor Umeh, and the current senator representing the zone, Chief (Mrs) Uche Ekwunife, who were present at the funeral ceremony, commiserated with Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah over the death of his regional manager.
Speaking, Senator Victor Umeh, who is currently contesting the Anambra Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) remarked that death is an inevitable end, and urged Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the entire Odum family to bear the loss with hope in the resurrection.
He also condemned violent attacks witnessed at different places across Nigeria, and called on government at all levels, as well as security agencies to rise up to the challenge.
Senator Uche Ekwunife, who also condemned the attack on Senator Ubah’s convoy, which led to the untimely death of Mr Odum, tasked the police and relevant security agencies not to rest on their oars until the culprits are arrested and made to face the law.
Earlier during a funeral Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. James-Michael Okpalaonwuka, at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mbaukwu, the homilist, Rev. Fr. Paschal Ikejemba, admonished the faithful to be always ready for God’s call at any moment.
Fr. Ikejemba, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra State, said that since it is difficult for any man to tell how and when he will go to his creator, it becomes very necessary for every mortal to prepare his soul for rapture, and the final judgement.
While consoling the wife, children, mother and the entire family of the deceased, the cleric also urged them to pray for the soul of the departed; and to also prepare their own souls for the final judgement day.
