Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha and other prominent Nigerians have gathered in Imo State to pay their final respects to Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara, mother of Professor John Kennedy Opara, pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
The funeral service, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuopara Obetiti, Nguru Mbaise, in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, marked the final farewell to the deceased, who passed away at the age of 83.
In his condolence message, Ihedioha described the late matriarch as a woman whose life of faith, service and exemplary character left an enduring legacy.
He expressed sympathy to Professor Opara, the Opara family and other mourners, praying for strength and comfort for the family.
The funeral attracted political leaders, traditional rulers and religious dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Among those in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Abia State Governor Alex Otti; Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Peter Obi; former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; Imo State Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru; and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Also represented at the ceremony was Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, alongside former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade and other dignitaries.
The religious community was represented by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province, Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukaku, Bishop Chamberlain Ogunedo of the Mbaise Anglican Diocese and Apostle Joshua Selman.
Traditional rulers, including former Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, HRH Eze Reginald Amadi and other royal fathers, also attended the funeral.
The service ended with prayers for the Opara family as dignitaries paid their final respects before the interment of Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara.
