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Otti Celebrates Life, Honours Memory of Ezioma Ndubuisi
Otti Celebrates Life, Honours Memory of Ezioma Ndubuisi
Otti Celebrates Life, Honours Memory of Ezioma Ndubuisi
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has urged Abians to live exemplary lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities, stressing that people are ultimately remembered for the impact they make while alive.
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Governor Otti made the call at the funeral service of the late Mrs. Ezioma Ndubuisi Arukwo Onyebinanma, held at her husband’s compound in Amuhi Village, Eluoma Autonomous Community, Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the life of the deceased, as well as the message from the preacher, offered an opportunity for the living to reflect on the legacy they would leave behind.
Otti urged Abians, particularly those entrusted with positions of responsibility, to serve sincerely and shun “eye-service,” noting that their actions and conduct should speak positively for them whether they were present or absent.
“What we do will be remembered for when we leave the surface of the earth. So, let’s try as much as possible to live an exemplary life, to love one another, always say the truth, abhor false witness, and at the same time, not to live that eye-service life,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to good governance and the delivery of development to the people, while appreciating Abians for their support.
He said the support of the people had contributed to the administration’s ability to deliver on its responsibilities, assuring that more development was still to come.
Otti described the deceased, who died at the age of 82, as an octogenarian who had lived a long life, saying her longevity should inspire others to seek not only long life but also a life of meaningful impact.
“I’m tapping into that blessing for it to be a stepping stone for me to also not just live a long life or for all of us here to live a long life—but one that was felt and also impactful,” he said.
In his tribute, the deceased’s son, Mr.Ndubuisi Winner Iheanyi, described his mother, popularly known as Ezi, as a woman of courage, wisdom, generosity and love.
Winner said his mother lived for about 82 years without formal classroom education but possessed profound wisdom and positively influenced the lives of people around her.
He described her as a successful farmer and trader, a gifted cultural artist and a fearless defender of the vulnerable.
According to him, Ezi feared no one but God and was known for speaking against injustice and standing with those who needed help.
He recalled that his mother’s home served as a refuge for members of the community, where people regularly visited for food, material assistance, counsel and protection.Winner said her kitchen was particularly renowned for its generosity, as children, adults and strangers gathered there to eat and find comfort.
He also recalled the harmonious relationship his mother maintained in her marriage, particularly with her co-wife, noting that they cooked, farmed, traded and lived peacefully together.
According to him, her marriage to Pa Ndubuisi Arukwo Onyebinanma was blessed with three children and nine grandchildren.
Earlier in her sermon, Apostle Mrs. Kate John Emmanuel challenged the congregation to reflect on the legacy they would leave behind, asking, “What will you be remembered for?”
Drawing from the biblical account of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, in Acts 9:36–39, the preacher said Dorcas was remembered for her good works and acts of charity.
She stressed that death was inevitable and that what remained after a person’s departure was the impact of the life lived.
According to her, people are remembered either for the problems they solved or the problems they caused, urging everyone, irrespective of their position in society, to make a positive impact wherever they found themselves.
“If you are born into a family, make an impact. If you marry into a family, make an impact. If you are a neighbour, make an impact. If you have an opportunity to serve in government, make an impact,” she said.
The preacher also commended the development recorded in Aba under the Otti administration, recalling the difficulties residents previously faced and expressing appreciation for the changes witnessed in the city.
She urged the congregation to serve humanity with sincerity and passion, stressing that wealth, position and other earthly possessions would pass away, while the good works of a person could continue to speak for them.
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