By Patrick Ochei
It was a reunion of sort as Journalists in the South-South region of Nigeria, Saturday 16th November, 2024, gathered at Isheagu in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, as Comrade Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara held a befitting burial ceremony for his dear mother, Late Mama Agnes Chukwudi Ashikodi Ugbechi.
The agrarian community of Isheagu was agog with the influx of visitors from different parts of Nigeria, especially Port-Harcourt in Rivers State to honour an amiable journalist and strategically recognized leader in Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Speaking at the burial ceremony, the Deputy National Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Lilian Ogabu described Comrade Nelson as a man of the people, maintaining that such trait of selfless and accommodating leadership would have been a reflection of the quality training he got from his mother.
The Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who led the Rivers State Council’s delegation to the burial ceremony, Comrade Ike Wigodo was categorical in ascribing the position of a maximum leader to Comrade Nelson Chukwudi, whom he said as CPS has continued to patronize and carry journalists along in the business of Rivers State Government.
Representing the Chairman of Delta State Council of NUJ and leading the Council’s delegation, Comrade Patrick Ochei, immediate past Secretary of the Union in the State, narrated his working relationship with Comrade Nelson Chukwudi, dating back to over four years ago; said there was no doubt that his leadership disposition started from the moral and selfless values inculcated in him by his mother.
Ochei acknowledged that the tributes poured out in honour of Nelson’s mother was an evidence of virtue and proper motherhood, praying that the memory of the legacy of Mama Agnes Chukwudi would continue to bring consolation, in addition to peace, joy and open doors to the family.
The 94 years old Late Mama Agnes Chukwudi Ashikodi Ugbechi (nee Nwokolo) was buried at the family compound of the Chukwudis at Umuobi, Umueze Quarters in Isheagu amidst eulogies, sermons and prayers by the officiating ministers led by Bishop Moses Obi of the Amazing Grace Int’l Church, Wuse 2, Abuja.
It was indeed a celebration of life as family members, well wishers and friends from all walks of life came from far and near to identify with the children of Mama in giving her a befitting last homage.
