Tears flow as The Guardian Mathias Okwe is laid to rest

Tears flowed freely, as sympathisers, family members, friends and associates bade farewell to the late Assistant Business Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Mathias Okwe, who died September 14, 2021.

Aged 51, Okwe, who died in Abuja, after a brief illness, was laid to rest in his country home, Ablesang, Bishiri Obanliku Local Council, Cross River State, yesterday. 

Until his death, he was the Head/coordinator of the Finance and Business desk in the Abuja Bureau of the newspaper.

Speaking during the mass, the officiating minister, Rev Fr. Roger Mowang, in his sermon, appealed to the bereaved family to take solace in God over the demise of beloved Okwe. 

Urging family members to maintain the legacy left behind by the deceased, the priest said the incident was a reminder for people to draw closer to God. 

Relieving his last moments with his late brother, John Okwe said the death came as a rude shock to the family, and that his brother would be remembered for his impact on his immediate environment and beyond. 

While paying tribute to the late journalist, a member of Knights of St Mulumba, Abuja Subordinate Council, Sir David Kpue, described the deceased as a humble, committed and hardworking knight, who always delivered on assignments given to him. 

According to him, Okwe was admitted into the honoured Order of the Knights of St Muhunhe Index Abuja Sub Council in 2018, noting “within this short period, he excelled in service, deploying his time, talents and treasure in support of the work of the Order. 

“He will be especially remembered for coordinating the production of a documentary marking the 30th-anniversary celebration of KSM Abuja Sub Connal in December 2020. This is a legacy that will live for a long time. He will be greatly missed by Abuja Subordinate Council in particular and the KSM in general,” he added.

He is survived by a wife, four children, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces.