By Jennifer John
A media proprietor, business mogul and grassroots philanthropist Clan Chief (Prof) Chimezie Kingsley (Ebubemba Ikeduru) has tasked the living to strive to leave behind good legacies which they will be remembered for at the time of their demise.
Ebubemba Ikeduru handed out this task during the burial of the mother of one of his friends, Late Nneoma Felicia Lebechi Umezuru (nee Nduka) who died, aged 75, and was laid to rest at her husband’s compound, Umuokpo, Umukparo, Mballa Isuochi in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.
He expressed profound humility at the wonderful testimonies told of the late Nneoma Felicia by his friend. “I am here in solidarity with my friend, Chief Charles Nkem who resides in Australia just like me, as a true show of friendship. I have to rejoice with my friends when they are rejoicing and grieve with them when they are grieving. That is why I am here to express my condolence and solidarity with my friend and brother, joining him to bid his beloved mother a final farewell. He loved his mother so much and has always said a lot of good things about her. Even the church has given wonderful testimonies about how good a mother she was.”
Ebubemba Ikeduru advised his friend and other members of the family to make sure they follow the footsteps of their departed mother. “I believe she has left a remarkable Christian legacy which has been completely and totally affirmed in the church. Following that good footsteps and continuing from where she has stopped will be a good way to go.” When asked to advise the living, taking cognizance of the fact that all will die, the Clan Chief said; “everybody should strive towards leaving good legacies. Legacies that will be worthy of emulation, so when we finally leave this planet, people can remember us and have good testimonies about us.”
Fielding questions from News Echo, the first and only son of the deceased and the Chief Mourner, Chief Charles Nkem, described her mum as a very quiet person. “She is everything that one can ask of a mother very peaceful, hard working, very resilient, and above all, a God fearing woman and a lover of people, who loved people and shared whatever she had.” He further advised the living to lead good and godly lives saying; “the testimonies that came out for my mother is challenging, so, my advice for everyone is to always follow peace, live in peace with people.”