ICYMI: Nwifuru mourns stepmother, celebrates her legacy of love and sacrifice

Obituaries

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has mourned his late stepmother, Lolo Nwankwonshii Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, describing her as a compassionate and generous woman whose love, discipline and sacrifice helped shape his formative years.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, a day after her burial, the governor said the deceased was a remarkable matriarch whose motherly care, wise counsel and commitment to family unity had left an enduring impression on him.

“Yesterday, we laid my beloved stepmother, Late Lolo Nwankwonshii Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, to rest at our family compound in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area,” he said.

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Nwifuru described his stepmother as a woman whose life touched many people and whose legacy would endure through her children, grandchildren and others she nurtured.

He said her death had left a painful void in the family but added that he found comfort in the values she instilled in them and the lasting impact of her life.

At 74, the governor said, she left behind a legacy of selflessness, kindness and devotion to family that would continue to inspire generations.

Nwifuru expressed appreciation to his colleagues, fellow governors, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, stakeholders across Ebonyi State and Nigeria, friends, associates and residents of the state who joined his family to honour the deceased.

He said their presence, prayers, condolence messages and expressions of solidarity had provided comfort and strength to the family during the period of mourning.

The governor also prayed that Almighty God would grant his stepmother eternal rest and give the family the grace to preserve the legacy she left behind.

“Rest in peace, Mama. Your love lives on, and your legacy will never be forgotten,” he said.

He concluded his tribute with the words: “Adieu, Nwanyi Obioma. Adieu, Nwanyi du ree. Until we meet again on the resurrection morning.”