Nibo Stands Still As Sir Francis Udeogu Goes Home In Glory

BY BUCHI UBANY

The town of Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State was in seemingly festive mood last Thursday November 26, 2020.

It was not a festival occasion so to showcase a dance or food feast, but one dedicated to a life well spent, to bid farewell to a man who had meant much to his people.

It was the laying to rest of the body of late Sir Francis Udeogu to mother earth and friends and associates as well as neighbours turned up in their number.

The events had kicked off two days earlier, from Enugu where the Service of Songs and other events were held to his honour the late Udeogu.

The event of the day commenced with the lying-in state of the body, in his country home in Nibo, from where the procession moved to a nearby Catholic church. A pontifical High Mass was held in memory of the deceased, with the bishop of Awka officiating.

In attendance were dignities from different walks of life including members of the Knight of St. Mulumba, in their colourful regalia, of which the late Sir. Francis Udeogu was an active member. Knights by the way, are laymen called to proclaim, live and defend the Catholic faith and support the Priests and the Church.

The service was a sobering moment for the congregation even amidst a recount by the officiating minister, of the several good deeds of, and numerous contributions to the church by the deceased.

He also used the opportunity to caution the congregation to be wary of Covid 19, and not pretend it does not exist or has been eliminated.

The cleric referred to the lives still being ravaged in Europe and the Americas as proof the virus still existed.

A daughter of the deceased Amaka Udeogu,, a long-standing member of the Dunamis Publications, official publishing arm of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and professional associate of the Editor of The Eagle;  and her siblings read lessons of the day from the Bible, one of which was taken from 1Thess.4:13-18.

After the service, the train moved to the graveside, where the earthly body of the late Sir. Francis Udeogu was interred.

Expectedly, the reception turned out to be a carnival of celebrations. There were plenty to eat and drink, and souvenirs to take away.

Frank Edward, a popular gospel artiste and Ada, were amongst the gospel music acts that delighted the audience.

The spectacle was complete when mourners sighted a drone recording proceedings from the air. It indeed an honour was well deserved, a day in which the town of Nibo stood still.

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A four star hotel in town, Trig.Point Hotel was fully booked for guests that trooped into town, from different parts of the country and beyond, in honour Sir Udeogu and his children.