A solemn evening of tribute was held in Port Harcourt to honour the life and memory of late Arise TV News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

The service of songs, held on Wednesday evening at the Corpus Christi Cathedral in D/Line, Port Harcourt, was attended by family members, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to pay their last respects.

Delivering the sermon, visiting priest, Rev. Father Eze Charles, condoled with the immediate family and all those affected by Maduagwu’s passing. He noted that death is inevitable, adding that what matters most is not how long one lives but the impact made on earth.

He described the late journalist, fondly called Sommie, as a good and generous young woman who lived an impactful life.

Maduagwu’s life was cut short last month when armed robbers attacked her residence in Abuja. Her death has continued to send shockwaves through the media and legal communities, where she was known for her dedication and professionalism.

According to Rev. Father Charles: “Let the family take heart, and for everyone that is affected take heart also. What will you be remembered for when you are in this theatre called life because death is inevitable. We are all gathered here because of Sommie.

“What will friends and society say about you when you are gone? Nigeria, the whole world is bleeding because of Sommie. She was good, a generous woman, a woman of faith and a soldier of the Cross.”

While noting that she cannot return, the priest said the faithful will reunite with her on the final day and urged her family and well-wishers to be consoled by the good life she lived.

“This woman was a good woman. I am sure she has gone to be with the Lord. The number of years is not the true measure of one’s life. We encourage her family and all affected to be strong,” Rev. Father Eze said.

He added that the sermon served as a reminder that God would not abandon the faithful, expressing hope that Nigeria would become better as Maduagwu had wished. “Sommie is saved. Death will not happen to her again,” he said.

Urging the congregation to live uprightly, he added: “Let us ensure to change our ways and follow the path of goodness. We must die someday. When our time comes, what will you be remembered for? May her soul find rest in the Lord.”

Earlier, Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Father Martin Amadi, described the late journalist as a “bright and shining light” and “the star of her family.”

“It is unfortunate that Sommie is no longer with us. We commit her soul into God’s hands and pray that He consoles her immediate family and all who are affected by her death,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Osi Maduagwu thanked the church and all those who had supported them since the incident occurred, saying: “As a family, we solicit your continuous prayers.”