Umuahia, the capital of Abia State saw many dignatsries on Saturday 7th June, 2025 during the funeral of Elder Mrs Chinenye Margaret Ukeagu.
Speaking at the funeral held at Umuahia township stadium, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti paid tributes to Late Elder Mrs. Chinyere Margaret Ukeagu, mother of Dr. Ken Ukeagu, the INEC National Commissioner representing South East and founder CONNAK Foundation.
The Governor spoke at the funeral conducted by the Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel appreciated Mrs Ukeagu for living a life worthy of emulation.
Otti described the deceased as a gift to humanity and said that, while she is mourned, the first son, Dr. Ken Ukeagu and his siblings should ensure that the legacies their mother held is sustained.
“So, while we mourn as a State, because she was a gift to the State, I would like to encourage the family, particularly, Dr. Ken, to take heart.
“There is nothing you can do. Reading through your tribute, it was very clear that you were very close to Mama.
“The only gift you can give her as she lies here without knowing what we are doing today, is to ensure that those jobs that she held dear, will not drop to the ground. The only thing you can do is to ensure that you continue from where she stopped.
“You can see that this place is filled up. These are people who have been touched by her acts of generosity and kindness. When she was here, she taught us a lot of lessons. Little things that you plant can become a big cooperative society” Gov. Otti stated.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu praised the deceased for bequeathing to her children quality morals rooted in the Christian faith and dedication to God and humanity.
He wished that the people she left behind would continue the worthy legacy that she has bequeathed to them and prayed for her soul to rest in peace.
Earlier in his sermon titled, “You Need This God, the State Pastor of the Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel, Pastor David Bamigboye emphasized the need for everyone to seek God and find Him for the salvation of his soul, saying that, eternity is not sure without knowing God.
While thanking God that the deceased came, saw and conquered, Pastor Bamigboye said that Mrs. Ukeagu left legacies to be celebrate and challenged people to live lives worthy of emulation.
Pastor Bamiloye charged people to seek the face of God while they were alive, the way the deceased did.
While encouraging Christians to make themselves available for God, the cleric noted that people need God because the world is full of evil.
Drawing reference from Jeremiah chapter 3 verse 19, Pastor David Bamiloye reminded the gathering that their partnership with God will place them on a great part. He told people that the God they know will determine the dominion they enjoy.
In a funeral oration, the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Carol Emeka-Sunday said that their mother was a true reflection of excellence and a philanthropist, whose vision led to the establishment of CONNAK Foundation.
She also described their mother as an advocate for humanity, a motivator, intercessor and said that her memory will continually be cherished by them.
Responding on behalf of the family, the Chief mourner and INEC National Commissioner representing South East, Dr. Ken Ukeagu thanked Governor Alex Otti and other sympathizers for coming to identify with them at the moment of their grief and prayed God to bless them.
In his tribute, Dr.Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu on behaif of the family noted that their mother was a tireless advocate for humanity spent over a decade distributing food items, clothing and other essentials to widows, orphans, and the less privileged in her community.
He said her generosity and benevolence were extended to Living Faith Church, Port Harcourt, where she was loved for her service and kindness and anticipated and met several needs without being asked.
Dr Ukeeagi stated that his mother leaves behind a legacy of love, humility, faith, and radical generosity, while her memory is deeply cherished by her children, grandchildren, in-laws, her two remaining Sisters (Mrs Oluchi EmmanuelDiala and Mgbechi ObasiNdukwe), extended family, church family, and countless friends and well wishers.
The Foundation provides full scholarships to over 600 students (in secondary and tertiary institutions) nationwide, has trained over 22,000 people in entrepreneurship, and has offered supportive and empowering grants to many trainees as seed money for new businesses or boosting existing business ventures. Partnering with international organizations and Nigerian hospitals, the foundation’ s medical outreaches have benefited over 10,000 individuals, including about 500 surgeries like restorative eye care, and provision of prescription glasses, wheelchairs, crutches, and general medicine for common ailments and disease conditions.
“The Connack Foundation, through its 9-month ICT training program, has equipped over 1,500 youths with relevant digital skills in areas such as Product Design, Web and Mobile App Development, Data Science, and other emerging software and hardware technologies. Beneficiaries of the ICT program have also received several valuable start-up kits, including laptops, printers, and essential tools all geared towards assuring a sense of empowerment. Connak Foundation, spurred on by the simple vision of Elder Chinyere Ukeagu’s gratuity, has provided infrastructure like boreholes and solar streetlights for community development. Today the foundation is on an international pedestal with non-profit registration status in the USA and Canada and further expansive plans for Germany and United Kingdom. These significant milestones remain a true”.
Aged 76 years, Late Elder Mrs. Chinyere Margaret Ukeagu, who was later buried at her Umuegwu – Okpuala – Afugiri, Ohuhu, Umuahia North country home was survived by 4 children, many grandchildren among other relatives.
The burial ceremony attracted many dignitaries including the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mba, his Taraba State counterpart, Dr. Agbu Kefas, Deputy Governors of Imo and Ebonyi States representing their Governors, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, other government officials, traditional rulers, clergy men among others.
Meanwhile, great musicians like Flavour, Mercy Chinwo, Chioma Jesus among others were on ground to entertain the guests.
