Death has a way of reminding those alive the memories of the past both good and bad; as I look back and reminisce on my tender age years while we were growing up in Umuagu, Ibughubu Umuchu in Aguata Local Government of Anambra State.
What mostly comes to mind was the nostalgic life experiences both ones that imparted negatively and positively to individuals and community.While I was travelling to the village during the Easter period battling the traumatic traffic, I received a call that Chief Celestine Chinabu, Omekannaya of Umuchu has passed on and efforts were being made to bring the corpse home.
I shouted and knew that a big iroko tree has fallen in the community because I never doubted the source of the call until I got home and confirmed the death.
However, the most striking thing after his demise was the testimonies from people on how he imparted their lives by showing them love, care and compassionate.
Despite his background as a successful business man, he still sneaked out to come to his people both young and old to play together. Most times, he provided the means which we used to play. He would also buy us some drinks and other beverages to refresh and engage us to know the challenges people were facing in the community and immediately offer assistance without looking back.
Omekannaya will be remembered for his compassion to the the people around him, community and indeed the society. He will not be forgotten in a hurry by St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ibughubu, Umuchu, for his contributions for the multimillion Naira church building edifice. Old women, youths and friends will not forget Omekannaya, who was a great hunter for his compassion to his people and indeed Umuchu community.
Omekannaya passed on last month and will be buried on 21st May, 2021 in his village Ibughubu Umuchu. He was aged 62 and married with children and grand children.
I know that Omekannaya lived a good life while he was on earth because he was harmless and cared for people around him. Sad to say, ‘May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest’!
– Cyriacus Izuekwe, Associate Editor of P.M.EXPRESSS writes from Lagos.
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