● Chinwendu Nwafo
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Senior Mother-in-Israel, Josephine Anichukwu, mother of the governor’s media aide, Mazi Uche Anichukwu. They described her as a consummate teacher and an extraordinary woman who made a lasting impact on her family, community, and the church.
The Anichukwu family, on Wednesday, announced the funeral arrangements for their matriarch, who passed away in Enugu on November 2, 2024, at the age of 81. The family stated that they would be honoring her life with a series of ceremonies reflecting her legacy.
According to the obituary issued by Mazi Uche Anichukwu and Hon. Cajetan Anichukwu on behalf of the Rabbi Gabriel Anichukwu and Anyianuka Orji families of Amigbo Nomeh, the funeral rites will commence with a commendation service at her country home in Obinagu, Amigbo Nomeh, Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State, on Friday, February 21. This will be followed by an all-night wake at the same venue.
The Christian funeral service and interment, to be conducted by the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim, will take place on Saturday, February 22, at the family compound. A thanksgiving and outing service will then be held on Sunday at the Provincial Headquarters of the Church at 14 Ilukwe Street, Asata, Enugu.
Meanwhile, condolences have continued to pour in from well-meaning Nigerians, recognizing the late Mrs. Anichukwu’s impactful life and service. Many have paid tribute to her legacy as a dedicated teacher, a pillar of her community, and a woman of unwavering faith.
Governor Peter Mbah extolled the virtues of the late matriarch, describing her as a dedicated educator, a loving mother, a supportive wife, and a respected community and church leader. He emphasized the profound impact of her teaching career, which shaped the lives of many.
“As a consummate teacher, she inculcated sound education and character in many who passed through her. Her teaching career was indeed impactful, leaving many testimonies from beneficiaries,” Mbah said.
He further praised her resilience, discipline, and integrity, noting that her steadfast faith and determination helped her family navigate life’s challenges. “She will be largely remembered for her integrity and prudence, culminating in being trusted with the office of Financial Secretary of a great women’s association, during which tenure the Nomeh Health Centre was realized,” he added.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the good people of Enugu State, I convey our profound condolences on the passing of this great woman,” the governor concluded.
Senator David Mark, in his condolence message, described the late Mrs. Anichukwu as “an extraordinary woman, renowned for her strength, kindness, and generosity.” He acknowledged the values she instilled in her children, which have shaped them into responsible and compassionate individuals.
“While her departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, I urge you to continue honoring her memory by upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, and philanthropy she taught you,” the former Senate President stated.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, extended his condolences to the Anichukwu and Anyianuka families. He encouraged them to find solace in the lasting legacies their mother left behind, adding, “An anonymous writer once said that those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day – unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”
