The Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Benue State, Most Rev Michael Apochi, has lamented the unrestrained arson and mass murder happening across Benue. The Bishop said this while declaring that the late Sir John Ogbuja, a member of the Knight of St. John’s International, is worthy of emulation.
Bishop Apochi, who officiated the requiem Mass at the burial ceremony of the late Sir John Onminyi Ogbuja on Friday 28th April 2023, in an exclusive interview with AkweyaTV, praised the devoted and disciplined life of the deceased.
The Bishop in his sermon admonished the congregation to ponder upon the day of their death as it is sure while assuring them of the pathway of salvation through Christ.
The burial ceremony which held at Adim in Akpa District of Otukpo Local Government Area, had an array and parades of Members of the Knights of St John’s International, Reverend Sisters and Catholic Priests, including the Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul, Eleme Sr. Ifeoma Arinze DC, the Parish Priest St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Allan Akpa, Rev Father Mathew Ochola, Rev Father Joseph Okwrudo, and Father John Ikpochi Itodo who also spoke with AkweyaTV.
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Earlier on Wednesday 26th April a Christian wake keep was held at the deceased compound No 16 Ecko Close, Otukpo, where a mass was also celebrated for the repose of his soul.
At the wake keep the Sisters of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul took to the stage with skilful and entertaining dance steps.
It was indeed a celebration of life considering the age at which Sir John Ogbuja passed on.
The first son of the late Pa Ogbuja, Mr Kenneth Ogbuja, while appreciating friends and those who came to mourn with them, however, pointed out the fact that no matter how old parents get to before their death, their passing would definitely bring out tears, especially for the children.
It was tears for the children and close relatives, friends and associates as the remains of Sir John Ogbuja was conveyed first to the house, the churches and the graveside for the final internment.
Kenneth Ogbuja, in an interview with AkweyaTV, described his late father as a man of principle and discipline and assured his siblings of filling in the shoes of his father to be a new father to them for peace, unity and progress of the family.
The Executive Chairman, Otukpo LGC, Hon Bako Ejeh, whose Vice, Hon Mrs Grace Abine, is the 7th child of the late John Ogbuja, in a condolence letter conveyed to the family described the late Sir John Ogbuja as a seasoned educationist, kind and dedicated to the service of God.
AkweyaTV in an interview with some of the children and grandchildren described their late father as a man of integrity, equity and fairness who loves to treat everyone equally. From New Jersey in the United States of America, Mr Edward Ogbuja, who is the third son of Sir Ogbuja, spoke to AkweyaTV via Zoom, and was full of appreciation for the legacy his dad left.
The funeral of the late Sir John Onminyi Ogbuja was customarily in accordance with the Catholic Knight burial rites which were fully represented to do the needful.
Late Sir John Onminyi Ogbuja was born on the 5th of May 1935 at Ogyoma in Akweya land, Akpa District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State.
He worked as Headmaster in many Primary schools around the Idoma-speaking areas of Benue State. He was a teacher, politician, farmer and a successful business man. Sir Ogbuja died on the 26th of February, 2023 at the age of 87 after a brief illness.
He is survived by a wife, Lady Roseline Ogbuja, eleven children, 27 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
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