The premises of at Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church Umuahia, Abia State saw personalities, government officials, uniform men, friends and well wishers, the community of clergy across various denominations during the funeral mass of late Noble lady Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi-Ironsi.
In a homily, the Chancellor of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, Reverend Father Henry Maduka advised Christians to embrace courage in life to enable them endure the storms of life.
Rev Fr Henry Maduka
The priest noted that decease stood firm to overcome the shock after the coup de tat that led to the painful death of her husband, late general Thomas Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and forced him out of office as a military head of state.
Reverend Father Maduka described late Noble Lady Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi as a worthy Christian who reposed absolute trust in God and the Catholic Faith which enabled her surmount the difficult task of bringing up her children after the painful death of her husband. He further called on the gathering to remember that one day, people shall gather to bid them farewell, therefore, they should live according to God’s doctrines.
Citing the Bible readings, drawn from Wisdom chapter 3, verse 1 to 9, and the book of Matthew, the priest pointed out that anyone who promotes peace shall enjoy the favour of God.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu while commiserating with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s family, described late Victoria as a strong woman who kept the vision of her late husband alive until death.
Governor Ikpeazu noted that the Late General was the real father of Nigerian unity since he was the Head of State who promulgated the Decree that unified Nigeria, adding that the assassination of the late general Johnson marked the threat to the unity of Nigeria.
Gov Ikpeazu
Ikpeazu noted that women have alot of lessons to draw from her life style, who exhibited nobility, hard work and comportment during her life time, prayed that the fight for unity by late Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi will make the end of injustice in Nigeria.
The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Luis Iwejuru Ugorji presided over the consecration of bread and wine. Bishop Ugorji at the beginning of the mass prayed for the peaceful repose of noble lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi.
Bishop Ugorji
On behalf of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s family, the former minister of defense, Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi appreciated everyone who graced the event, adding that their late mother carried herself well, championed that women should be up and doing, as well advised her children to live with the fear of God.
Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi
Speaking with newsmen after the service, the president of Vision Africa International, Bishop Sunday Onuoha said late Noble Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi represented a strong African woman who despite the fact that she lost her husband in an unfortunate situation and lived a virtueous life, as well was able to raise her children in the absence of her husband.
According to Bishop Onuoha, people gathered to celebrate an icon of integrity and purity, who resembled the fact that Africa women are strong, urging younger women to look upto her, especially now morality has been thrown out of the board, when people don’t believe that should be character, stressing that the decease was an epitome of character. The Methodist cleric prayed that her exit will bring hope and reconciliation to the oppressed in Nigeria particularly now the country is witnessing turbulence, while affirming that late Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi was accommodating and saw Nigeria as a home for all.
Bisho Onuoha
Bishop Onuoha noted that the deceased was a united force which is what Nigeria needs to survive her current challenges.
National Watch reports that the occasion attracted many people from all walks of life, including the deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, former Governor of Abia State and senator representing Abia central senatorial district, Theodore Orji and wife, Senator Enyi Abarabe among others.
