Govs. Otti, Mbah, Kefas, others attend INEC National Commissioner’s mother’s burial in Umuahia (See pictures)

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Governors Alex Otti of Abia, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Agbu Kefas of Taraba were present at the funeral of late Mrs. Margaret Ukeagu, the mother of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s National Commissioner, Dr Kenneth Ukeagu, on Saturday, in Umuahia.

The funeral also had in attendance the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, represented by his deputy, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, and Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Patricia Obila.

Also, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, the former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, among other dignitaries were present at the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that late Mrs. Ukeagu, passed away on March 3 at the age of 76.

Speaking during the funeral on behalf of other governors, Otti described the deceased as a rare gift to Abia, whose death was shocking and unexpected given her active community involvement.

He urged the family of the deceased to be strong, urging them to uphold her values and sustain the humanitarian work she championed during her lifetime.

Otti noted that the late Ukeagu’s initiatives, including community cooperatives, grew from small ideas into powerful social impact programmes that touched many lives across the state.

He thanked those who attended the funeral, describing their presence as proof of the love and respect late Ukeagu earned through her life of service and generosity.

In his remark, Hon. Kalu described the deceased as a woman of great virtue, resilience, and uncommon determination who redefined the meaning of greatness through service to others.

Kalu said that the late Ukeagu returned to school after marriage, reached the height of her career, and used her retirement benefits to support community growth rather than personal luxury.

He highlighted how her Christian values shaped her children, who have continued to carry on her legacy of caring for the less privileged and vulnerable.

Kalu urged the family and the community of the deceased to preserve and build upon the legacy she left behind, saying her life should be a model for generations to come.

He prayed for God’s comfort and courage for the bereaved family, asking that her soul rest peacefully and her memory remain a light for Abia and Nigeria.

In his homily titled “You Need This God”, the State Pastor of Living Faith Church, Mr. David Bamigboye, emphasised the need for people to make efforts to know God and build a meaningful relationship with Him.

Bamigboye noted that the deceased sought God during her lifetime and through her works it was evident that she knew God.

He said that the deceased was a mentor, helped many people and left a legacy that should be emulated by all.

In his tribute, Dr Ukeagu, who is also the first son of the deceased described his mother as a woman of deep faith and a practical Christian.

Ukeagu said that his mother had a strong desire to always help people and she dedicated her lifetime and resources to actualising it.

He expressed his resolve to ensure that the legacy built by his mother would be preserved.

In a funeral oration, the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Carole Emeka-Sunday, described her mother as a “tireless advocate for humanity” who spent over a decade of her life helping the less privileged.

“Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well-lived – a life poured out in service to God and mankind,” Emeka-Sunday said.