Vigil Mass Held For Late Mrs. Christiana Obiano, Mother of Governor Obiano

The Final burial rites of the mother of Governor Willie Obiano, Late Mrs Christiana Obiano commenced with a Vigil Mass yesterday at St Joseph's Catholic Church field, Aguleri in Anambra East Council Area.

The event was well attended by Ndi Anambra across board including traditional rulers, officials of the state government and friends of the Obiano family.

The Vigil Mass which was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor also had the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Most Reverend Geoffery Onah and the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Catholic archdiocese, Most Reverend Dennis Isizor in attendance.

Governor Obiano while welcoming guests at the event, expressed appreciation to them for coming to honor his mother, noting that though she died at a ripe age, she will be greatly missed by many especially her family.

The Governor who spoke briefly on the life and times of his mother, acknowledged all who supported her during her ailing period especially the clergy, noting that her last days were filled with joy as she enjoyed the company of those she wished for.

The Awka Catholic Bishop, Most Reverend Ezeokafor described the late Mrs Christiana Obiano as a devout Christian whose humaneness is widely acclaimed, and urged the Obiano family to take solace in the fact that their mother having lived a good christian life, is resting in the bosom of the Lord.

In a homily, the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Most Reverend Isizor who noted that all mortals must die someday, said Christians should prepare for the inevitable end by striving to please God through good deeds and faith in him.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the governor on Agriculture, Tourism, Training, Methodology and State Emergencies, Venerable Amechi Okwuosa said the event is a celebration of a fulfilled life lived according to God's purpose, adding that the rare leadership qualities which Governor Obiano has exhibited in the state governance depicts someone who was thoroughly bred by a virtuous woman.

Performance by the church choir as well as tributes to the late Mrs Christiana by some personages’ notable of whom was the President, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Mr Ortiz Anyaeji formed the highpoints of the event.