Nigeria’s Who’s Who Gather in Mbaise as Mother of Prof. John Kennedy Opara Laid to Rest

By Ada Ukpabia 

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It was a grand celebration of faith, family, culture and service in Umuopara Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, on Friday, as dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to bid farewell to Late Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara, mother of former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Board, Prof. John Kennedy Opara, OFR, JP.

Chief Ezinne Opara, who died at the age of 83, was described as a devout Catholic, woman of prayer, compassion and remarkable generosity whose life touched families, churches, young people, widows, the poor and the wider community.

The funeral Mass, held at St. Mary's Catholic Parish, Umuopara Nguru, attracted an extraordinary gathering of political, religious, traditional and business leaders, making the occasion not only a funeral but a major convergence of Nigeria's influential personalities.

Among the dignitaries were former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, serving and former governors and deputy governors from different parts of the country, including Imo and Abia states, traditional rulers, Catholic bishops, Pentecostal church leaders, the Primate of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, Archbishop Dr. Henry Ndukuba, and other prominent Nigerians.

More than eight Catholic bishops were also in attendance, alongside priests, religious leaders, traditionalists, professionals, businessmen, community leaders and friends of the Opara family.

The elaborate ceremony also featured cultural displays, music, dance and a lavish reception that reflected the social standing of the deceased's family and the extensive network of relationships built over the years.

Delivering the homily, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, anchored his message on the Christian hope of resurrection, declaring that death, though painful, is not the end of a believer's story.

Drawing from the words of Jesus in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, shall live,” Archbishop Kaigama urged the mourners to confront grief with faith and hope.

He described death not as a full stop but as a transition to eternal life, reminding the congregation that, for Christians, the grave is not the final destination.

“Death is not the end of the story. It is not a full stop, but a comma leading to eternal life,” he said.

The Archbishop said Late Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara lived a life deeply rooted in prayer, describing her as a woman whose faith shaped her home and influenced generations of children and grandchildren.

According to him, prayer was at the centre of her family life, while her generosity extended beyond her immediate family.

Archbishop Kaigama highlighted the deceased's contributions to the Church and society, saying she was involved in building and renovating churches, assisting the poor, empowering widows, supporting the education of young people and contributing to medical care.

He also noted her commitment to culture, youth development and the welfare of orphans and vulnerable people.

Her life, he said, demonstrated the practical meaning of the Christian injunction to care for those in need.

The Archbishop therefore challenged the congregation to ensure that the values for which Chief Ezinne Opara was remembered do not die with her.

Beyond mourning, the homily also became a reflection on Nigeria's wider challenges.

Archbishop Kaigama lamented the loss of opportunities facing many young Nigerians and the migration of talented citizens whose skills could contribute to the development of their communities and country.

He also called attention to concerns surrounding the management of public resources, urging both leaders and citizens to embrace integrity, generosity, responsibility and service.

His message was that the death of an elderly woman whose life was marked by faith and generosity should also provoke the living to ask what legacy they are building.

Quoting St. Paul, the Archbishop reminded Christians that they should not mourn like people without hope because Christ has conquered death.

He urged the congregation to live with eternity in mind.

“Use your energy today for good. Be prepared for the moment when the Lord will call us home,” he admonished.

He called on the faithful to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, stressing that no scientific advancement can ultimately eliminate death.

For the Christian, he said, the ultimate victory over death comes through Jesus Christ.

The funeral of Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara therefore became more than a farewell to an 83-year-old mother.

It was a gathering that celebrated faith, family, service, culture and influence—and a reminder that the measure of a person's life is ultimately not only in the wealth accumulated, but in the lives touched and the values passed on.

For Prof. John Kennedy Opara and his family, the imposing presence of political leaders, bishops, traditional rulers, professionals, friends and associates from across Nigeria demonstrated the breadth of relationships surrounding the family.

Yet the central message from the altar remained simple: a life of faith and service leaves a legacy that death cannot erase.

As the Mass ended, prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara and for strength and consolation for her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.