Chinedum Treasure
Tears flowed like river on Thursday in Nnewi Anambra State at the funeral of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi.
Fr. Okonkwo, who was murdered by gunmen in Ihiala area of the state, on December 26, 2024, was buried after a requiem Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi.
The Holy Mass, attended by hundreds of priests and Rev. Sisters from different religious congregations, family members, friends and well-wishers, was presided over by the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, His Lordship, Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, and concelebrated by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Portharcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke.
In his homily, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Monsignor Anichebe Patrick Ezeobata, noted that Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, who he said, died at the prime of his youth, had already carved out an impressive nitche for himself, and had led an impactful pastoral life before his death.
Msgnr Ezeobata, who described man as a pilgrim on earth, further explained that Fr. Okonkwo, who was ordained in July, 2015, finished his internship as pharmacist in October, 2024, and was posted to the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, as manager.
He added that the deceased was barely two months in office before he met his death.
Among the political class, who attended the funeral were the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi; as well as former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Anambra State, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna; among others.
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