It was an evening of testimonies, thanksgiving and eulogies on Thursday, April 21, 2022, as friends, family, and well-wishers of Chief Andrew Ozigbo gathered in Amuwo Village in Amesi, Aguata LGA in Anambra State for a service of songs in his honour.
The late Chief Ozigbo, who died at the age of 92, was the father of Mr Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election.
The service of songs, which was held at his country home in Amesi, was officiated by Most Rev Martin Uzoukwu, the Bishop of Minna Diocese, and was attended by several Catholic priests, political and business leaders.
In his homily, Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, paid a glowing tribute to the exemplary life of late Chief Andrew Ozigbo.
According to Most Rev Okoye, the late Chief Ozigbo was well-known throughout Old Aguata for his commitment to the church, development of children through education, discipline, and fear of God. He recalled several fond memories of Chief Ozigbo, who was a catechist for several decades.
The Bishop of Nnewi consoled the bereaved family, urging them to take solace in the knowledge that Pa Ozigbo lived a long, fulfilling, and impactful life.
In a brief address, Mr Ozigbo expressed his gratitude to the several clergy members, friends, and well-wishers, who took the time to commiserate with his family.
“On behalf of the Ozigbo family, I thank you all for honouring our father, Chief Andrew Ozigbo, who was known as a man of peace. We do not take the sacrifice of your time for granted, and I pray for God’s blessings on you and your families,” Ozigbo said.
The highlight of the evening’s event were electrifying performances by several notable musicians, including Fabian, Blessed Modesta, Evangelist James Arum, Gozie Okeke, Chioma Jesus and Anyi Dons.
Dignitaries who graced the event include the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese; The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev Fr Peter Okpalaeke, who was represented by the Vicar General of Ekwulobia Diocese, Rev Fr (Prof) Anthony Chiebuka; Rev Fr Chris Ezeonyemalu, the Parish Priest of late Pa Andrew’s home parish, St Vincent Catholic Church, Amesi; Rev Fr Valentine Uzozie; Rev Fr Boniface Ezeoke; Mr Donald Chidi Amamgbo, an oil tycoon; Chief IK Obieki, a respected political leader in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State; and Chief Jude Ochili.
Other attendees are several leaders and members of the 2021 Anambra Governorship Campaign Organisation, including Hon Tim Egboka, the Deputy Director-General; Chief Ejike Oguebego, the Director of Inter-Party and Intra-Party Affairs; Chief Tony Offiah, the Director of Financial Services; Arc Chinelo Ofoche, the Director of Protocols, among others.
