Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State has showed a rare leadership quality by complying strictly with the state burial law during the burial of his late father, Pa Simeon Soludo.
Making good his words, the Governor ensured there was no Asoebi, posters or funeral programme booklet of any sorts. The burial was devoid of opulence.
The funeral mass celebrated by Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Isuofia, drew notable personalities such as Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Soludo expressed deep gratitude to all who came to support his family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made during the difficult time. The Governor particularly welcomed Vice President Shettima, hailing him as a “true patriot and statesman” and extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of honoring loved ones both in life and death, stating that a “decent burial” should not require financial hardship, or exert undue stress on people, especially the poor. He stressed it was always better to give the living a “befitting living” and the dead, a “decent burial.”
The Governor praised the Anambra State burial law which he explained promotes affordability and locally-sourced refreshments and recalled his father’s faith and strict discipline, crediting him with instilling the fear of God and a strong work ethics in him and his siblings.
He revealed his father’s prophetic blessing, predicting he would become Governor and use his position to help the poor and needy in the society.
“Today, the prayers of my father have come to pass,” the Governor declared.
Amidst the grief, Governor Soludo also celebrated the spirit of religious unity in Anambra. He commended the presence of Catholic, Anglican Bishops, Pentecostal clerics, and other clergymen, encouraging them to continue promoting christianity to fully kick out idolatry from the state.
With a heavy heart but resolute spirit, Governor Soludo vowed on behalf of the family, to carry forward their father’s legacy.
“I am fulfilled that my father lived an impactful life,” he said, “and I will continue to live his legacies.”
Earlier, the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima who said that death is an inevitable destiny, commiserated with Governor Soludo on the passing of his father.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and commended the Governor for the warm reception he and his entourage received.
The Vice President praised Governor Soludo for making the burial ceremony of his late father so simple without the usual pomp and pageantry usually put on display by the high and mighty in the society. He recommended everyone to emulate Governor Soludo in this regard
Earlier in a homily, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, emphasized that there is a certain time for every person on earth to die, whether we like it or not.
Bishop Okoye stressed that everyone should bear in mind that one day, death will come, noting that Pa Simeon Soludo was a holy man who knew the value of the sacraments and lived a life that pleased God.
In a vote of thanks, Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke, on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, thanked the planning committee and everyone involved in the successful burial of the Governor’s father and prayed that everyone would reach their respective destinations safely.
Governor Enugu State Dr Peter Mbah, Governor Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, Former Governor Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Former Governor Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker, Ohaneze Ndigbo President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anetoh, Sen. Victor Umeh, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Sen. Tony Nwoye, Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, Chief Cletus Ibeto, former Majority leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Pete Chima Ibida (Ide Nimo), Members of Anambra State Executive Council, Members of Anambra State Legislature, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Archbishop, Province on the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, State Chairman of PFN, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, Traditional Rulers among others attended the event.
