By Chris Chikelue
The remains of the late Chief Patrick Obidike, father of the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, have been laid to rest in his country home, Akweze, Anaocha LGA of Anambra State.
The late Chief Obidike passed on late last year at the age of 77.
At the burial Mass held at St. Gregory Catholic Parish, Akwaeze, the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, advised the people never to allow criminals destroy the state.
He said that Anambra State is not cursed therefore, its lost glory must be restored, especially where it commands the commercial activities of the country and parts of Africa that depend on its major markets like the Onitsha market.
The governor commiserated with the Commissioner and his siblings, urging them to take solace in the good marks their father left behind, urging them to protect those legacies.
The Bishop, Nnewi Catholic Province, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye who led the burial service, assisted by the Resident Priest, Rev. Fr. Martin Nwakaeze, affirmed that death is inevitable to all men.
He advised the living to take a cue from what transpired during the celebration of the dead to mend their ways, or advise themselves on how to live within the glory and commandments of the creator.
He added that all man’s strive to make it in life should not be out of the context of the tenets of God who has made them to show charity and good services to mankind and to God Himself.
While welcoming the governor, the Bishop promised to ensure that schools in his Diocese reopen for Monday schooling following the ban on the sit-at-home order, called by a self determining group.
He commended the governor for his efforts at opening the state for more progress and development.Condolence visits to the family of the bereaved commenced immediately after the remains of Pa Obidike were committed to mother earth in his compound.
Other dignitaries that came to identify with the bereaved at their moment of grief include, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye and the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Solo Chukwulobelu.
Others are Captains of Industries, top Government Officials, Traditional Rulers, and Chieftaincy title holders from among different localities in the state and Akweze.
The Ministry of Health and Agencies under the ministry led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, were also on hand to pay their last respect to the late Obidike and to commiserate with their boss, the Commissioner.
