June 23, 2023 will remain a memorable day in the minds of the family of late Sir Stephen Ejimofor Nnamesie Anazia (KSJI). It was a day Sir Anazia was laid to rest in his ancestral home in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
At the burial mass held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku, Rev Father John Konyeke in his homily, noted that death is a price which everybody must surely pay when the time comes.
According to Konyeke as Christians, We should not be afraid of death, since the Lord has decreed it for every living creature.
He said in his homily “who are we to object to what God wishes? In the world of the dead, no one will care whether you lived ten years, a hundred, a thousand”.
Koyenke said, when someone dies, we mourn, weep and wail to show how deeply we feel the loss.
Speaking further, Father Konyeke noted that grief can undermine our health and even lead to our own death. Explaining that grief lingers on after the death of a loved one but it is not wise to let it lead us into poverty because we should remember that we must all die. There is no way to bring the dead person back. All our sorrows will not make him any good, Today it was his turn; tomorrow it will be ours. When the dead have been laid to rest, let the memory of them fade.
Konyeke stressed that the virtue of baptism made us to understand that we shall become new creatures. The reason Jesus Christ died on the cross of calvary, was to redeem us from sins and be merciful in judging us. He therefore prayed that Angels of God take late Anazia to the place of Abraham and give him peace in heaven for his good works while on earth.
Continuing, Rev Father Konyeke pointed out that the only thing a christian should do is to embrace Christ and live a fulfilled life.
He however maintained that for the bereaved family, we should join them in prayers for God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss. Adding that Late Sir Ejimofor Anazia has completed his mission on earth.
It was learnt that Ejimofor Nnamesie Anazia was born on March 5, 1968 into the family of late Mr. Stephen Anazia and late Mrs. Ugochukwu Anazia of Ogboli Quarters in Issele-Uku Kingdom. He was the 4th child of the family of 5 children.
Anazia began his early childhood education at Alasi primary school Agbor in Ika North East Local Government, Delta State where he obtained his first school leaving certificate. He completed his secondary school education at St. Pius Grammar School, Onicha Ugbo.
He graduated from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. In his quest for higher education, he proceeded to obtain a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State in 1995.
Also, Ejimofor Anazia tied the knot with his wife, Hon Collina Anazia in 1999. A union that is blessed with five Children.
Following his humanitarian service in the vineyard of God, he was given a papa’s blessing from Rome.
According to information available, Anazia was selfless when it comes to the need of others. He was completely self-giving and a peaceful man who enjoyed the friendship of so many persons who saw him as a pillar of support in difficult times.
Over 20 Rev Fathers from different parishes in Delta State participated in the celebration of the burial mass.
Others are: Hon Ngozi Okolie, Hon Paschal Adigwe , Hon Malik, Hon Frank Nwaugo, Deputy Registrar, Nnamdi, students and staff of Lumen Christi School, Asaba, parishioners of St. John Bosco’s Catholic Church Asaba, and friends and well wishers of Anazia’s family were in attendance at the ceremony.
