Elder Azu Buries Mum in Grand Style
The burial of a great matriarch of Ngwa land, Chief Deaconess Ezinne Julia Nsonma Nwannediya Azu attracts a galaxy of distinguished personalities from far and near
The remains of Chief Deaconess Ezinne Julia Nsonma Nwannediya Azu (Nne Oha 1 of Isingwu Mbutu Autonomous Community in Osisioma Ngwa local government area of Abia State were laid to rest on Friday, August 9, 2024 at her husband’s compound, Umuoriaku-Umuidigha, Isingwu Mbutu after a funeral service conducted by the Apostolic Christian Church Mission, ACCM (National) at her son’s popular Ugochinyere Villa, Umuidigha.
She was aged 101 years (1923-2024) and survived by Imperial High Chief Elder G. O. Azu (JP) and his six siblings including numerous grand and great-grand children.
Chief Deaconess Ezinne Julia Nsonma Nwannediya Azu passed on at Living Word Hospital, Aba on March 20, 2024.
Her burial attracted the presence of the high and mighty within and outside the nation including Elder Dr. Sunny Nwosu, the President of All Ngwa Cultural Organization (ANCO) and other members of the organization, Elder John Nwangborogwu, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Hon. Iheyinna Mgbeahuru, Hon. Godswill Nwanoruo, Chief Sorochi Mark, Hon. Chima Oriaku, Hon. K. O. Mgbeahuru, Dr. Chinagozi Adindu, Elder Emeka Ahuruonye, Nze Sunday Irondi, Okechukwu Onuh (Dutchman), HRM Eze Chidi Nkoro (KSC, JP), HRH Eze Bishop Sunny King Otuka (JP), HRH Eze John Chimezie Azuh, HRH Eze Elder Ogbonna Josiah Nwaenyogho (Eze Ihe 11 of Mba-Ano Ntighauzor Autonomous Community), members of Ngwa Friendship Association among others.
After interment, the whole place turned into a carnival of sorts. There was great merriment at every corner of Elder G. O. Azu’s magnificent Ugochinyere Villa country home.
The unprecedented crowd of sympathizers and VIP guests were treated to sumptuous food, choice drinks and quality entertainment.
Quite a number of distinguished personalities including Engr. Nnanna Nwafor, the YPP Gubernatorial Candidate in Abia State in the 2023 election and his large attended the burial.
Their presence despite their busy schedule and other engagements is not only a testament to Chief Deaconess Ezinne Julia Nsonma Nwannediya Azu’s endearing nature but also Elder G. O. Azu’s overwhelming popularity, humility and generosity.
In his glowing tribute, Elder G. O. Azu described his late mother as an epitome of peace, unity, love and an inimitable role model whose generosity was second to none.
According to him she lived a fulfilled life adding that he is happy to be alive to give her a befitting burial in appreciation of her role in moulding their character and bringing them up in the way of God.
The retired permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Abia State said that the demise of his mother is painful to him but he is consoled by the fact that she is resting in the bosom of God till they meet to part no more.
He prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss and promised to sustain her virtues of love, honesty, charity and godliness.
He appreciated the presence and support of all and wished them safe journey back to their various destinations.
Chief Deaconess Ezinne Julia Nsonma was a well known community leader. She served the community as well as the church in various capacities. She remained the treasurer of the Women Council and Church till her old age.
In a chat with newsmen, Elder Dr. Sunny Nwosu, the President General of All Ngwa Cultural Organization, ANCO on behalf of the organization condoled his vice, Imperial High Chief Elder G. O. Azu on the death of his beloved mother.
He urged him to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude and continue to live in peace with his siblings adding that she lived a life worthy of emulation and died at a very ripe old age.
