Mbah, David Mark mourn passing of Anichukwu’s mother at 81

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, and former President of the Senate, David Mark, have expressed grief over the passing of Senior Mother-in-Israel, Mrs Josephine Anichukwu, mother of the media aide to the governor, Mazi Uche Anichukwu.

They described her as a consummate teacher and an extraordinary woman.

This came as the Anichukwu family announced the funeral arrangements for their matriarch, who passed away in Enugu on November 2, 2024, at the age of 81.

According to the obituary issued by Mazi Uche Anichukwu and Cajetan Anichukwu, on behalf of the Rabbi Gabriel Anichukwu and Anyianuka Orji families, both of Amigbo Nomeh, the funeral ceremonies will commence today with a commendation service at her country home in Obinagu, Amigbo Nomeh, Nkanu East Local Council of Enugu State. This will be followed by an all-night wake at the same venue.

The Christian funeral service and interment, officiated by the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim, will take place at the same venue tomorrow, while a thanksgiving and outing service will be held on Sunday at the Provincial Headquarters of the Church at 14 Ilukwe Street, Asata, Enugu.

In his condolence message, Mbah extolled Mrs Anichukwu’s virtues as a consummate teacher, inspiring mother, supportive wife, and a leader in both her community and church.

“As a consummate teacher, she inculcated sound education and character in many who passed through her. Her teaching career was impactful, leaving behind numerous testimonies from beneficiaries.

“The late Senior Mother-in-Israel was a woman of great industry and discipline, whose unyielding hope, faith, and courage saw her family triumph over life’s challenges.

“She will be remembered for her integrity and prudence, which earned her trust as Financial Secretary of a prominent women’s association during whose tenure the Nomeh Health Centre was realised.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the good people of Enugu State, I convey our profound condolences on the passing of this great woman,” Mbah said.

On his part, Mark described her as “an extraordinary woman, renowned for her strength, kindness, and generosity.”

“Her remarkable legacy lives on through the values she instilled in you and your siblings, shaping you into responsible and compassionate individuals.

“While her departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, I urge you to honour her memory by upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, and philanthropy that she taught you,” the former Senate President said.

In a condolence message on behalf of the Enugu State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), its chairman, Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, urged the Anichukwu and Anyianuka families to find solace in the great legacies left by their mother, saying these would keep her memory alive forever.

“An anonymous writer once said that those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day—unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear,” he added.