A cleric, Apostle Emmanuel Ndugbu of Emmanuel Chapel, Asaba, Delta State, has urged Nigerians, irrespective of their faith, social status or achievements, not to allow earthly possessions and accomplishments to distract them from preparing for eternity.

Ndugbu gave the admonition while delivering a sermon at the Service of Songs held in honour of the late Mrs. Janet James Ezechi, mother of Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The deceased, who died at the age of 98, was remembered by family members, friends, political associates, community leaders and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate her life, values and enduring legacy.

In his message titled “Don’t Abuse Privilege,” Apostle Ndugbu described human life as a privilege that must be lived responsibly and with a consciousness of its temporary nature.

He warned that material possessions, positions of authority and personal accomplishments should never become distractions from the more important responsibility of preparing for eternity.

According to the cleric, death is an unavoidable reality that awaits every human being, regardless of wealth, influence, social standing or position.

“Death is real and everyone must face it. No matter your status, when death calls, you must obey. The important question is: if you die, where is your destination?”

Ndugbu urged the congregation to confront the reality of mortality and use their time on earth meaningfully, stressing that believers should not be consumed by fear of death but should live each day in preparation for eternity.

He drew inspiration from several biblical passages, including Hebrews 9 and Ecclesiastes 8, to underscore the inevitability of death and the need for purposeful living.

The first Bible reading, taken from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, was delivered by Emmanuela Ezechi. The passage, which begins with the words, “To everything there is a season,” reflected the changing seasons of human existence and the inevitability of life’s transitions.

Pastor Jonathan Wonder led prayers for the bereaved Ezechi family, seeking divine comfort and strength for them as they mourned their matriarch.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, friends, political associates, relatives and well-wishers who attended the Service of Songs and supported the family during the period of mourning.

He thanked those who took time to identify with the family and honour the memory of their late mother, describing their presence and support as a demonstration of love and solidarity.

Born on January 16, 1928, Mrs. Jenet James Ezechi, fondly known as “Ileoge-Ekwuofu,” was born to Chief Uzor Iwegbu of the Umugbeleme Family and Chief (Mrs.) Onyolu Ebinum of the Umuosile Family, both of Umu-Ifulu Quarter, Okpai Oluchi, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the family, she lived a life characterised by hard work, sacrifice, love and devotion to her family.