LATE EZINNE VICTORIA OBIAGELI ONYEKPEZE LAID TO REST
By Sunday Memeh
The remain of a retired Headmistress, Ezinne (Mrs.) Victoria Obiageli Onyekpeze, (Nee Dunkwu) was laid to rest on Friday, June 2 2023, at her family compound in Oyoko Community, Abavo in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
She peacefully transited into glory on the 24th of March, 2023, at the age of 79 years. She is survived by her husband, Chief Dr. Ferdinand Onyekpeze (JP), 6 Children, 24 Grandchildren and other Relatives.
According to her Biography, Ezinne (Mrs.) Victoria Obiageli Onyekpeze, was born into the families of late Williams Dunkwu of Issele-Azagba and Late (Mrs.) Theresa Dunkwu of Okpanam, both of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
She earned her primary school education and was a probationary teacher after which she attended the Sacred Heart College, Ubiaja to acquire her Teacher’s Grade 111 Certificate. After that she returned to the same institution for the Teacher’s Grade 11 Certificate.
She made her G.C.E through Correspondence Courses and later went to the Headmasters Institute in Benin City, Edo State.
Ezinne Victoria Onyekpeze was a teacher throughout her hay days. She taught at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Agbor-Obi, Ika South Local Government Area between 1968-1971. She also taught at Ikelike Primary School, Ogbe-Ofun Primary School in Ogwashi-Uku from 1972-1977. She was a Matron to Nshiageu College from 1978-1980.
Back to Ika land, she taught in Akuma Primary School, Akumazi-Umuocha and Akumazi-Umuocha Secondary School all in Ika North-East from 1980-1984. After completing her Associate Certificate in Education, from the University of Ibadan, (UI) she became a Special Grade Headmistress at Ihioma Primary School, Boji-Boji, Agbor from where she retired in 1994.
She got married to her husband, Chief Dr. Ferdinand Onyekpeze JP on 21st December 1968 at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba Lagos. She received many Awards in the church and social circle. The highest being the ” Ezinne-Udo from the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Iweriebor Lane, Boji-Boji, Owa.
The Biography also stated that Ezinne Victoria Onyekpeze was known for her soft and kind demeanour, but in spite of that, she was a strong disciplinarian who instilled values in her children and many other relations who passed through her.
She was a prayer warrior, a mother of great qualities and a devoted child of God.
SEE ALSO: EVIDENCE OF MORALITY, TRANSPARENT LIVING IN IKA – Onyekpeze
Speaking at the Funeral Service at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Iweriebor Lane, Boji-Boji, Owa, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Ogechukwu Okpulu, described late Ezinne Victoria Onyekpeze as a kind, loving and committed child of God. He encouraged the Children to follow the legacy their mother left behind so that the blessings of the Lord will continue to reign upon their lives.
Performing the funeral rite during the interment, the Parish Priest said,” I bless the body of Ezinne Victoria Onyekpeze with holy water that recalls her baptism of which St. Paul Writes and said: All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death.
By baptism into His death we were buried together with Him, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we are united with Him by likeness to His resurrection.
He concluded by admonishing all Christians who have not given their lives to God to try and do so by accepting Jesus as their Lord and savior as no one knows when death will knock on their doors. He prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.
Speaking in a tribute to his late wife, Chief Dr. Ferdinand Onyekpeze (JP), described his wife as an epitome of discipline, neatness and kindness.
According to him,” My Darling Wife, since your death occurred, our children and I, have passed through what is clearly the worst period of our lives.
“You were thought not too sound in health, when I dropped you at the Port Harcourt motor park as before for your usual periodic check-up; and wished you safe journey and that was the end; only God knows why.
“As your husband, I have the opportunity to love and be loved by you unconditionally, I drew you into my life and shared all with you. I did everything humanly possible to protect and defend you as a husband.
“Our challenges further strengthen our marriage, Hallmark in the year we spent together. We experienced so much togetherness that I believe and it was indeed a life well spent.
“The shock of your sudden demise initially drew our immediate families together. As the news spread, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and kind wishes that we gratefully received from around Nigeria and beyond. It will warm your heart to know that there are some who have continued to pray with us and encouraged us till today.
“Dearest wife and confidant, continue to rest on the perfect bosom of the Lord, you ran a good race, until we meet to part no more,” he lamented.
The following organisations and persons were present at the burial ceremony and its reception at Owa Model Primary school’s premises; members of the Onu-Ika Nigeria, led by Mr. Daniel Usifoh, Concerned Citizens, Abavo Circle, Night of Mulumba, St. Columbas, Owa, Knights of St. Mulumba Port Harcourt branch, Pensioners Association, Issele-Azagba, members of Abavo Community, Onyeruali Association and many others.