By Kelechi Ugo
It was a gathering of family members, friends, well-wishers and dignitaries at Obibiezena in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday, August 7, 2026, as an Owerri North-born American-based businessman, Chief Fidelis Anokam, joined other members of the Anokam and Anuforo families to bid a final farewell to his late paternal aunt, Mrs. Martina Chienyenwa Anuforo (née Anokam).
The deceased, who passed away at the age of 88, was remembered by her family and friends as a woman of remarkable virtues, compassion, generosity and deep commitment to the welfare of those around her.
The burial ceremony attracted people from different walks of life, who gathered to honour the memory of the deceased and console her children and other members of the family.
The atmosphere was, however, marked by a mixture of grief and celebration of a life that many described as worthy and fulfilled.
In his tribute, the son of the deceased, Hon. Sylvester Chibueze Anuforo, described his late mother as a virtuous woman whose life was characterised by love, sacrifice, generosity and concern for others.
According to him, his mother was a cheerful giver who derived joy from helping people and ensuring that those around her were comfortable and happy.
Hon. Anuforo said that throughout her lifetime, the deceased demonstrated an uncommon capacity to love and accommodate people irrespective of their circumstances, adding that her impact on her family and community would remain indelible.
He described her death as a painful loss to the family, but noted that her exemplary life and the values she instilled in her children would continue to speak for her.
He said his late mother lived a worthy and fulfilled life, urging those she left behind to emulate her virtues and preserve the good legacies she established during her lifetime.
Hon. Anuforo expressed appreciation to relatives, friends, neighbours, associates and other well-wishers who travelled from different locations to identify with the family during the burial ceremony.
He prayed God to reward them for their support and grant them journey mercies as they return to their various destinations.
Also speaking to newsmen, the daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Chinonye Richard, an American-based businesswoman, described her late mother as a woman whose generosity and love for humanity were exceptional.
Mrs. Richard, who spoke emotionally about the loss, said her mother was not only a parent but also a source of strength, encouragement and inspiration to her children and other members of the extended family.
She disclosed that because of her mother’s uncommon love for people and willingness to assist others, she affectionately nicknamed her “Omee Nwanne”, a name which, according to her, reflected the deceased’s remarkable spirit of brotherhood and concern for others.
Mrs. Richard said the family would deeply miss the presence, wisdom, counsel and motherly affection of the deceased, particularly at a time when they still needed her guidance.
She regretted that their mother passed away when her children needed her most, but expressed gratitude to God for granting her a long and meaningful life.
According to her, the most enduring way the family could honour their late mother was by preserving the values she stood for and continuing the good works she promoted while alive.
Mrs. Richard promised that she and her siblings would uphold the legacies of their mother and ensure that the virtues she represented;love, generosity, unity, compassion and service to humanity would not die with her.
She prayed God Almighty to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant her eternal rest and give the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The burial ceremony also provided an opportunity for relatives and friends to reflect on the life and times of the late Mrs. Anuforo, with several mourners describing her as a woman who positively touched the lives of many people.
For the Anokam and Anuforo families, the funeral was not merely a farewell to an 88-year-old matriarch, but also a solemn celebration of a life that, according to her children and those who knew her, was devoted to family, humanity and the promotion of peaceful relationships.
As the family mourns the departure of their beloved mother, aunt, grandmother and friend, her children have pledged to keep alive the memories of her exemplary life and ensure that the values she cherished continue to guide generations yet unborn.
