Imo State University Holds Valedictory Session In Honour Of Rev. Fr. Prof. Edmund Igboanusi

NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA

One of the remarkable reasons for holding a valedictory or farewell session in honour of the dead is to reflect on his|her life and times while eulogizing those sterling virtues or leadership qualities the deceased stood for during their walk through life as pilgrims.

Therefore, as part of the rite of passage and transition to eternal glory of the late Rev. Fr. Prof.  Edmund Igboanusi, the Academic Community at the Imo State   University, Owerri; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences  in the Department of Philosophy, converged at the School Auditorium close to the Senate Building to pay their last respect to one of their colleagues from whose heart flew the milk of human kindness, Rev. Fr. Eddy Igboanusi, who was until his death, the immediate past Director of ICT at the Imo State University and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy.

It was an afternoon of tribute;  sober reflections and unconsolable tears among his colleagues and students who did not hide their feelings to express how painful it was too lose “an angel in a human form”.

During his remarks, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University, Prof. P. A. Akah, aptly stated that : “The University has lost one of the best brains and most humane and  humble lecturers in its history”.He regretted that he only met Fr. Eddy once on assumption of office through recommendations as 8 out -of -the -10 people he sampled their opinion for an ICT Director for the University were favourably inclined to the deceased Rev. Father given his compassionate heart to impact knowledge in others while dispassionately carrying out his assignments with all smiles. 

From one note of tribute to another, the various speakers took turns to speak very highly about the late Rev. Fr. Prof. Eddy Igboanusi; eulogizing him for his numerous selfless service to God and humanity, even in death.

The late Rev. Fr. Igboanusi, whose burial comes up at the Orlu Archdiocese, until his death was the Parish Priest of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Abba, Nwangele LGA, Imo State. 

He was one clergy on Divine assignment; who naturally fell in love with his Abba host  community as he also played some good roles towards conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence among brothers and community leaders with varying opinions on sociocultural and physical development in Abba.

Rev. Fr. Eddy’s prominent role in the reconstruction of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church building within a short space of time after his posting, sold him out as a passionate home builder, great mobilizer and strategist, who knew how to make use of both men and materials to accomplish his assignments.

It is also akin to say that in his short stint at the Parish House as the Resident Priest, he practically knew every family and members of his St. Theresa Catholic Parish by their names; as he conducted periodic mass at the homes of families with aged or aging parents.

Friendly, accommodating and tolerant, Fr. Eddy (Solid) was one clergy who did not want to offend anybody or appear offended even when he might be angry. A vessel of honour, who came to teach his numerous flocks and Parishioners true Christianity above mere religious rhetorics.

He was dedicated to his pastoral work and loved Abba people without reservations.

He would sure be greatly missed by the Parishioners and members of the Church Building Project.

– Njoku Macdonald Obinna participated in the valedictory session to capture the scene and faces of the people in attendance.

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