On Friday 27th August 2021, the quiet community of Akpodim in Ezenihitte Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, experienced a beehive of activities and influx of people from all walks of life.

Everything stood still as the remains of the late matriarch of the Nwogu Royal family, Late Chief Mrs Fanny I. Nwogu were interred in her country home amidst mixed feelings at the ripe age of 87.

A woman described by many as an epitome of love and extreme generosity, forthrightness, commitment and sincerity of purpose.

Late Chief Mrs Fanny Nwogu was incompatible among women, adorable, principled, jovial and accommodating with unrepentant stance on prudence, honesty, patience and unbridled generosity.

Her greatest accomplishments were education and bringing people to Christ.

In the words of one of her children, Lead Apostle Geoffrey Nwogu, a careful reflection on the manner of her life, leaves a sense of satisfaction, that she valued the grace bestowed on her by God and her exemplary conduct was visible to all who had come in contact with her.

Concluding that her love, ingenuity and wisdom makes it easier for her to appreciates the gifts of God and understand the essence of existence.

Apostle Chima Ibekwe of Mid-East Area led most of the Apostles and Bishops with their Spouses in Nigeria to the funeral service.

There is still hope
In his funeral orations, Apostle Ibekwe read a word from 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 ”But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope"

He extolled the deceased as truly an admirable, caring and generous mother whom he knew since 1985 in Jos, Northern Nigeria.

A biography of the late matriarch had it that she came in contact with the New Apostolic faith as one of the pioneers in 1975 through the then Priest Omeh, now a retired Apostle; and she introduced same to all her five children. She remained committed and supportive till her glorious passage.

Apostle Chima Ibekwe condolences the bereaved family and sympathizers not to sorrow like those without hope, as they shall be a reunion and this is our joy.

He assured all that our Lord and Master will soon return and this is our greatest hope for the future.

At the same time, it gives comfort to know that Christ has not abandoned us, but that He will instead return so that we may have eternal fellowship with Him, he insisted.

To this, we must prepare ourselves for His imminent return by remaining faithful to Him and allowing ourselves to be strengthened by word and grace, he added.

Finally, he wished the family, the comfort of the Spirit, while admonishing them to protect the sterling legacies of their late mother and grandmother as a memorial to her most cherished and noble name.

Apostle Samuel Usoro of South East Area assisted at the service.

The funeral service which was well attended was preceded by a service of songs the previous evening at the family compound.

Of a truth, a matriarch has gone home to rest with the Lord.