The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has condoled with the Afuke family of Okpungwu Ovungwu village in Isiala Ngwa North LGA over the demise of their mother and matriarch, Chief Mrs Cecilia Gold Silas Afuke.
In his condolence message during a funeral service conducted by the Christ Model Evangelical Church Incorporated, Okpungwu Ovungwu, Governor Otti noted that her death has created a vacuum that may not be easily filled.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba while describing the deceased as a foremost community leader and philanthropist who contributed immensely to the development of her community by helping to alleviate the suffering of widows and the less privileged, also lauded her for using her position as the Vice Chairperson of Ovungwu Women Association to advocate for women emancipation while living out her role as a virtuous mother and counsellor to those around her.
The State Chief Executive encouraged the bereaved family especially the first son, Chief J. J. Afuke to be consoled with the fact that their late mother lived a long and accomplished life, impacted many lives positively and prayed God to grant the soul of Chief Mrs Afuke a peaceful repose.
In a homily titled, “Closed Files,” Pastor Emeka Johnson disclosed that books will be opened on the last day when God will judge and reward all according to their deeds.
In a tribute, the first son of the deceased, Chief J. J. Afuke described his late mother, Chief Mrs Cecilia Gold Silas Afuke as a virtuous woman whose contributions to the development of her community and the church cannot be overemphasized.
Aged 105, Late Chief Mrs Cecilia Gold Silas Afuke is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives.
Our correspondent reports that the funeral which featured prayers for the Afuke family, condolence messages also attracted the presence of Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, the Chairman of Abia State Diaspora Commission, Chief Okey Agbara, Engr. Bob Ibeneme, immediate past Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Dr Elelenta Nwambuisi Elele, the first Deputy Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, Labour Party stakeholders among other notable personalities.
