Glorious end of The Guardian’s Deputy Editor, Inyama

Remains buried amid tears, encomiums
The life journey of the late Deputy Editor (News and Features) of The Guardian, Nnamdi Remigus Inyama, a.k.a City, which commenced about 58 years ago, was concluded on earth at the weekend, as his remains were laid to rest on Friday, November 18, at the family compound of the late Callistus Akamiro Inyama, in Akurubi, Itu, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Council of Imo State.

This was after his remains had been laid-in-state at his family home while family members, relations, colleagues and contemporaries filed past.

Born 58 years ago, the deceased passed on on October 24, 2016, during a brief illness.

At the funeral mass, which commenced around 11:00am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Itu, Ezinihitte Mbaise and officiated jointly by Rev. Fathers Christopher Akuchie and Edmund Njoku were The Guardian team comprising an Assistant Editor, Chukwuma Muanya; Assistant Editor (Metro Desk), Eno Bassey; Sports Editor, Christian Okpara; Production Editor, Gregory-Page Nwakunor, Emeka Nwalozie, Goddy Nwagboraocha, Southeast Bureau Chief, Lawrence Njoku; former Southeast Bureau Chief,  Kodilinye Obiagwu and Imo Correspondent, Charles Ogugbuaja.

Also at the funeral were the deceased’s wife, Felicity Akunna Inyama, their three daughters – Odichi Israel, Nkiruka and Somachukwu, Publisher of The Source magazine and Commissioner representing Southeast in the Police Service Commission, Dame Comfort Obi, an uncle to the late Inyama, Prof. Nnadozie Inyama, direct biological brothers, including Charles Inyama, Francis Intama, Isidore Inyama and his sisters among host of other relations.

The retired professor, Nnadozie, also present, taught at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, and was said to have nurtured the late Nnamdi at childhood.

In his homily, Fr. Njoku, recalled the exemplary life the deceased lived on earth, urging all humans to take note that death was a necessary end every individual must pass through.

He noted the brilliance the late journalist exhibited in the discharge of his duties, leading him to rise to the rank of Deputy Editor (News and Features), before his death. He added that the late Inyama, fondly called ‘City’, by his late father, opted for a risky profession in journalism, as his preferred job.

The priest said death remains a mystery on earth, stressing the need for every mortal to prepare and live exemplary life on earth. He stated that the manner and when anyone would pass on is an imagery and unknown to all.

He admonished the way people lavishly celebrated the dead instead of mourning, even more than what the dead got while alive.

Said he: “We do not mourn the dead; we celebrate them. It is not good.”

He prayed God to forgive the deceased’s sin, have mercy on him and bring him to His throne.

While speaking on behalf of the late Inyama’s family, Prof. Edozie Inyama, urged those related to the late icon not to mourn, noting that though the departed could not be forgotten entirely, but everyone should have faith in God. He commended the management of The Guardian Newspapers Limited and members of staff for showing love to the deceased and relations by travelling all the way to be present at the funeral.

He and his wife, a Chief Nursing officer, later hosted The Guardian team at his country home in Akurubi, Itu-Ezinihitte Mbaise, and recalled the life history of the departed. He disclosed that apart from the parents of the late Inyama, he was the next that carried and looked after him for several years, and wished that the departed Deputy Editor would have been the one to bury him. He appealed to The Guardian family not to mourn their departed colleague and enjoined them to exercise faith in God.

The traditional and religious rites of dust -to- dust at the graveside happened at 2:00 pm, and were performed by the late Inyama’s wife, Felicity, Muanya, on behalf of The Guardian, Prof. Inyama, and his younger brother, Charles.

In his speech, Muanya said the late Inyama worked excellently well in the organisation, and expressed the grief shared by The Guardian management and staff on his sudden and shocking death. He consoled the family, friends and relations on the lamentable incident, noting that the family and relations would always be in the minds of The Guardian family.