The Mgbowo community, alongside members of religious and traditional institutions, gathered in solemn unity to celebrate the life and legacy of Late Ezinne/Eruru Gladys Nnennaya Agwu, JP (née Okoli), fondly known as “Elety Shine,” who passed on at the age of 89 years.
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The burial rites commenced with a lying-in-state at her ancestral home, Owelli Court, before her remains were conveyed to her country home, Ngozika House, Mgbowo, where she was received with traditional Nkponani gunshots, signifying honour and a dignified farewell. Family members, friends and associates thereafter paid their last respects.
The funeral cortege later moved to St. Mark’s Catholic Parish, Alachara, Mgbowo, where a solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated. The Mass was officiated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, Bishop of Awgu Diocese, and concelebrated by several priests, including Monsignors and eight other Reverend Fathers, with the presence of numerous Reverend Sisters.
The Mass attracted hundreds of mourners, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family members, colleagues and members of various Catholic and social organisations. Notable among these were members of St. Anthony of Padua Society, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Legion of Mary, and other pious societies with which the late matriarch was actively involved. Also present were old pupils of St. Anthony’s Day Care Centre, Mgbowo, an institution she founded and nurtured, as well as members of the Young Women’s Christian Association of Nigeria (YWCA).
In a deeply moving homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ogbonna, former Parish Priest of St. Mark’s Catholic Parish, reminded the congregation of the fleeting nature of life and the need for every human being to live in preparation for eternity. He urged the faithful to emulate the virtues of the late Ezinne Gladys Agwu, describing her as a woman of deep faith, compassion and selfless service, who loved God and humanity without boundaries. According to him, she “fought the good fight in Christ and left behind legacies worthy of emulation.”
After the Eucharistic celebration, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ndubuisi, formally welcomed the officiating clergy, including Bishop John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; Rev. Fr. Peter Ogbonna; Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Mike Uka; Rev. Fr. Ethelbert Owulu; Rev. Fr. Godwin Ani; Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Ezenwachi; Rev. Fr. Jacob Okoye (Bulldozer), Vicar General of Awgu Diocese; Rev. Fr. Ben Okike; Rev. Fr. Charles Chukwu; and Rev. Fr. Udeonu, alongside Reverend Sisters Sr. Patty Udeogu and Sr. Rosemary Akpa.
He also acknowledged the presence of traditional rulers, including HRH Igwe Engr. John Azubuike Ibe (Ohabuenyi II) of Ekpulambo Mgbowo; HRH Igwe Greg Ituma (Onyima II) of Ekpulato Mgbowo; and HRH Igwe Marcel Onuorah of Amabo, Owelli Court, the ancestral home and birthplace of Late Ezinne/Eruru Gladys Nnennaya Agwu, JP, as well as members of Ndi Nze Mgbowo, choir groups, media practitioners and the entire congregation.
In an emotional vote of thanks, the first son of the deceased, Chief Charles Afam Agwu, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Bishop, priests, traditional rulers, dignitaries, friends and well-wishers who came to honour the memory of their beloved mother.
“We deeply appreciate everyone who stood by us with their presence, prayers and generous support during this difficult time. Your kindness and love brought comfort and strength to our hearts,” he said, while thanking God for His unfailing grace and praying for safe journeys for all attendees.
Following the Requiem Mass, the remains of Late Ezinne/Eruru Gladys Nnennaya Agwu, JP, were returned to her compound at Ngozika House, where final traditional rites were performed. Interment followed thereafter, with guests later hosted as family members, associations and well-wishers paid their last tributes and presented condolence messages in accordance with cultural customs.
Until her passing, the late Ezinne Gladys Agwu was an active member of several religious, professional and community organisations, including Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), St. Mark’s Parish Alachara Mgbowo; Young Women’s Christian Association of Nigeria (YWCA); Sacred Heart of Jesus; Legion of Mary; St. Anthony of Padua Society; Ifedioramma Women Association; and Umuada Owelli Progressive Union, among others.
The burial ceremony was further enriched by colourful cultural displays that reflected the rich traditions of the Mgbowo people.
Cultural dance troupes thrilled guests with energetic and symbolic performances, celebrating a life well lived and honouring the matriarch’s enduring impact on her community. The dances, accompanied by traditional music and chants, added dignity and cultural depth to the solemn occasion.
In accordance with long-standing customs, various associations, groups and well-wishers formally presented condolence packages to the bereaved family.
These gestures of support and solidarity underscored the communal spirit that defined the life of Late Ezinne/Eruru Gladys Nnennaya Agwu, JP, and highlighted the high esteem in which she was held across religious, social and traditional circles.
She is survived by her seven children, twenty-nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many others she raised as her own.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
©REFMEDIAGIST REPORTS.