By Dennis Agbo

The Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship Ernest Obodo, has described the life and times of the late mother of Saturday Vanguard Editor, Lady Cornelia Ogbonne Anibeze (Wangbo wa Ozoude Ezeilo), as a celebration of inspiration to mankind.

The Auxiliary Bishop said that her story of being widowed at a very young age of 36, lived up 94 years and trained her children to persons of repute underscores the life of determination that Lady Anibeze lived.

Ogbodo made the remarks in his homily during the burial Mass of Lady Anibeze at Christ the  King Catholic Church Aguobu-Owa in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State, on Saturday.

Present for the burial were Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai; the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, represented by his media aide, Val Obenyiem; former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo; former Minister for Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo; President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, and ex- International footballer, Sylvanus  Okpala, among many other dignitaries.

The Bishop asked the Anibeze family and congregation to rejoice that Lady Anibeze had a possibility of making heaven.

“All must die, the rich the poor. All of us will die. We must die but what is more death is to preserve yourself. We Reverend death so much, even though we celebrate death, we don’t budget for it. It’s a certainty that must come. The devil deceives us and present image that death is far, but you have the power in your hand to control what happens now,” he said.

“The church tell us that there is particular and general judgement. Lazarus died and was taken up but but the rich man died and was buried. On the last day, there will be total separation, the Lord is telling us today that he is the life and asked us not to be afraid. Our mother lived a great life, the husband died young but she preserved, she didn’t fear any challenge and took every challenge. We beg God that through her efforts be a source of inspiration to all of us”.

The Anibeze family, represented by Prof Chike Anibeze, prayed that God will give longevity to all those who gathered, as was given to their mother.