The remains of Dame Gladys Oriaku Ogwo, has been laid to rest in her husband’s compound, Agboji Umusi Onu Ibina Igbere, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
Aged 78, the late Dame Ogwo is survived by numerous relatives and children among whom is Mrs Josephine Ogwo, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists, NAWOJ,, Abia State Council.
Preaching at the funeral service held at Igbere Central School, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev Geoffrey Ibeabuchi who spoke on the topic; “We have hope in Christ”, emphasized the assurance believers have in Christ even in death.
Bishop Ibeabuchi who took his text from 1st Thessalonians Chapter 4: 13-14,encouraged the bereaved family not to grieve like those who have no hope and urged them to be consoled in the promise of resurrection and hope for eternal life.
Describing the Late Dame Gladys Ogwo as a virtuous and devoted Christian who during her lifetime dedicated herself to the service of God and humanity, the clergyman encouraged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in the things of God.
He called on all to prepare for eternity by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal saviour so as to partake of God’s kingdom noting that many have refused to heed the call due to ignorance.
In Funeral Oration, first son of the deceased and Chair, Department of Career and Technical Educator Preparation State University of New York, Oswego, USA, Professor Benjamin Ogwo stressed their late mother’s unwavering faith in God’s omnipotence and added that their mother dedicated herself to her family, the Igbere Community, the Church and the Society which earned her numerous recognitions.
“Mama dedicated her life to her family, the Igbere community, the church and society. She served she many years was Vice President and then President of the Umusi Women’s Association. She was a pillar of the Anglican Church.
“In 2006, she was honored as the “Mother of Vision”, by the Diocese of Aba for her immense contributions to church growth. In 2009,,St John’s Anglican Church in Umuahia recognized her as Ezinne and Mother of Faith.
“She also helped establish and cultivate the Anglican Church of the Living Word Igbere, for which she was honored as a “Favored Woman”. These devoted efforts led to her induction into the Anglican Church knighthood as Dame; a well deserved recognition of her service”, Prof Ogwo stated.
The Ceremony was attended by Judges of the Abia state High Court, Permanent Secretaries, Members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State Council, Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, the Academia, Members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Captains of Industries, Traditional Rulers, Friends, Associates and well wishers among many dignitaries.
