Gone To Rest

Fri, Jul 19, 2013
By publisher
4 MIN READ

Social Diary

By Chinwe Okafor  |

JUNE 28 saw people from all walks of life gathering in Umuoji in Idemili North Local government of Anambra State to pay their last respect to Veronica Chigbo. Chigbo died in May after a prolonged illness which lasted for 30 years.  Dignitaries in the political circle who attended the burial ceremony include Peter Obi, Anambra State governor, and Obioma Liyel-Imoke, wife of the governor of Cross River State.  Other family members,  friends  and well wishers were also at the funeral service which was held in Holy Trinity Catholic, Independence Layout, Enugu and Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Umuoji, on June 27 and 28, respectively. The deceased was interred after the requiem Mass at Gilbert Chigbo’s compound where mourners bid her final farewell.

Entrance to Holy Trinity Parish, Enugu State
Entrance to Holy Trinity Parish, Enugu State

Friends and relations who paid tribute to her, praised her fortitude in the midst of adversity and lauded her relations, especially her husband Gilbert, former commissioner for industry in the old Anambra State, for taking good care of her  before she died.

Veronica had her primary and secondary school education at Immaculata Primary School/Adaza Primary School and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, respectively, before proceeding to study at Pitsman College, London, where she was trained as a confidential secretary.

She worked with JOJ Okezie, former minister of transport as secretary before moving to the ministry of works. She relocated to Enugu, when her husband was appointed commissioner of industries in 1975. There, she continued working with the ministry of works until her retirement in 1984. She was very active in the church and community and touched many lives with her kindness. She was a fun loving woman who loved to dance.

Laying in state at the Holy Trinity Parish, Enugu State
Laying in state at the Holy Trinity Parish, Enugu State
(R-L) Ifeoma Chigbo, Enuma Chigbo and Ikenna children of the deceased
(R-L) Ifeoma Chigbo, Enuma Chigbo and Ikenna children of the deceased
Ikenna Chigbo son of the deceased watches mourners pay their last respect
Ikenna Chigbo son of the deceased watches mourners pay their last respect
(L-R) Auntie Rose (nee Chigbo), Mrs Obioma Liyel-Imoke and Enuma Chigbo at the funeral mass service
(L-R) Auntie Rose (nee Chigbo), Mrs Obioma Liyel-Imoke and Enuma Chigbo at the funeral mass service
Dignitaries at the Requiem Mass
Dignitaries at the Requiem Mass
[L-R] Auntie Rose (nee Chigbo), Obioma Liyel-Imoke, Enuma and Ikenna Chigbo at the funeral mass service in Umuoji, Anambra St
[L-R] Auntie Rose (nee Chigbo), Obioma Liyel-Imoke, Enuma and Ikenna Chigbo at the funeral mass service in Umuoji, Anambra St
Sympathizers at the funeral service
Sympathizers at the funeral service
Enuma Chigbo and Uncle Fidelis Chigbo leading the burial procession
Enuma Chigbo and Uncle Fidelis Chigbo leading the burial procession
Enuma Chigbo watches as the Pall bearers do their thing
Enuma Chigbo watches as the Pall bearers do their thing
Laying in state at Dr. Chigbo's compound in Umuoji, Anambra State
Laying in state at Dr. Chigbo’s compound in Umuoji, Anambra State
Interment rite at the grave side
Interment rite at the grave side
Ikenna Chigbo surrounded by Elders of the Chigbo family
Ikenna Chigbo surrounded by Elders of the Chigbo family
Officiating Minister performing the dust-to-dust rite
Officiating Minister performing the dust-to-dust rite
Enuma Chigbo performing the dust-to-dust rite
Enuma Chigbo performing the dust-to-dust rite
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Enuma Chigbo daughter of the deceased
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Enuma Chigbo daughter of the deceased
Obioma Liyel-Imoke, wife of the Governor Cross River State and Blossom Ubani at the funeral
Obioma Liyel-Imoke, wife of the Governor Cross River State and Blossom Ubani at the funeral
Ifeyinwa Igbodalo niece to the deceased and Anyanna Imoke friend of the family
Ifeyinwa Igbodalo niece to the deceased and Anyanna Imoke friend of the family
Friends of the family
Friends of the family
Elders of the Okeke family
Elders of the Okeke family
Catholic Women Organization paying their last respect in a dance
Catholic Women Organization paying their last respect in a dance
Friends from Light House Christian Church Calabar with Enuma Chigbo
Friends from Light House Christian Church Calabar with Enuma Chigbo
Ikenna Chigbo son of the deceased
Ikenna Chigbo son of the deceased
(L-R) IB Allagoa, Elenda Osima-Dokubo and Mrs Amie Georgewill
(L-R) IB Allagoa, Elenda Osima-Dokubo and Mrs Amie Georgewill

 

 

— Jul. 29, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT

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