Igwe Mbamalu fetes corps members for role in Ojoto Queen Mother’s burial

For their role in ensuring smooth burial rites for the Queen Mother of Ojoto Town, late Chief Philomena Mbamalu, more than 100 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Idemili South Local Government Council yesterday received cash gifts and other royal items from the monarch, HRH Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu.

The youths were said to have alongside the Nigerian Police Force and para-military agencies, voluntarily provided logistic support, quasi security and welfare services during the week-long burial rites.

Some of them who spoke to The Guardian yesterday said they were motivated by the “large heart of the king” and “his consistent role in ensuring better welfare for Corps members in Ojoto and environs.”

Thousands of mourners, including the Anambra State Council of Traditional rulers, political, religious and business leaders, attended the glamorous ceremonies that began on Wednesday (October 23) and ended with a Thanksgiving service on Sunday (October 27).

The youths, who paid Igwe Mbamalu a post-event courtesy call at his place in Enugo-Ojoto, sang praises of the monarch, even as Palace Secretary Chief Romeo Anyisia assured them of continued socio-economic support from the king.

It was gathered that each of the corps members received a cash gift of N20,000, among other souvenir items from the royal father.

Igwe Mbamalu told them that his kingdom would continue to ensure adequate security for corps members and visitors in line with peaceful disposition of the community.

He expressed deep appreciation to the entire royal family, palace chiefs and committee of friends for the successful burial rites of Mrs Mbamalu who died at the age of 82.

Recall that the burial of Ojoto Queen Mother, late Mrs Mbamalu had attracted the who-is-who in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political circles. Oraukwu-born lawyer and astute businessman, hotelier and wine dealer, Charles Odunukwe (Chandon), had a month before the burial, put together a social media platform that galvanised support from leading Igbo elite.

Led by Senator representing Anambra South Constituency, Ifeanyi Ubah, the group, held series of meetings in Lagos and Ojoto. Group Chairman of Chisco Motors, Chidi Anyaegbu, a member of the monarch’s committee of friends, had also provided a number of 50-seater buses.

The vehicles, which were stationed at strategic locations and airports in Southeast facilitated the movement of guests to and from Ojoto between October 23 and 24.

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