Over 130 Catholic Priests Storm Nnobi as Fr. Ikeagu Buries His Mother in Grand Style
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
More than 130 Catholic priests and numerous religious figures attended the burial ceremony of Virginia Ngozi Ikeagu, the mother of Very Rev. Fr. Martin Ikeagu.
The service was held at her husband’s residence in Umuikechem, Ndam Village, Ngo Nnobi, located in the Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The burial followed a requiem Mass at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church in Nnobi.
In his sermon during the Holy Mass, which was officiated by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Monsignor Theophilus Odukwe praised the late Virginia Ikeagu for living a life of integrity, alongside her husband, the late John Ikeagu.
He said that both parents had adhered to the teachings of Jesus Christ, as outlined in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 5.
Monsignor Odukwe went on to describe Virginia Ikeagu and her late husband as devout individuals whose lives were grounded in faith.
He expressed hope that Virginia now rests in the embrace of the Almighty.
“Virginia Ikeagu was a generous and compassionate woman, a philanthropist, and a devoted Catholic,” “We are here today not only to bear witness to her life but also to participate in her burial.” Monsignor Odukwe said.
Archbishop Okeke, in his remarks, also affirmed the Ikeagus’ unwavering Catholic faith.
He prayed for the eternal repose of both Virginia and her late husband, commending their commitment to the Church.
Very Rev. Fr. Martin Ikeagu, in his expression of gratitude, thanked Archbishop Okeke for attending the funeral. Fr. Ikeagu, who serves as the Parish Priest of Chukwubueze Catholic Church in Ossomala and Episcopal Vicar of the Iyiowa Region within the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, referred to the Archbishop as a father and mentor.
He shared that he immediately reached out to Archbishop Okeke upon his mother’s passing.
Speaking in an interview, Fr. Ikeagu highlighted that his mother had given birth to ten children, seven of whom survived. He emphasized the important life lessons she imparted to them, including unity, love, forgiveness, humility, and endurance.
He noted that these values were deeply ingrained in their hearts and that there was no need to memorialize her physically, as her teachings remained their greatest legacy.
Also speaking at the service, Mrs. Felicia Egeonu, one of Virginia Ikeagu’s daughters, described her mother as a virtuous and caring woman, deeply dedicated to her faith.
Don Okafor, a family friend, reflected on Virginia Ikeagu’s ability to keep her family united, even in challenging times. He prayed that the family would continue to move forward in unity and strength, never to fall apart.
Other individuals who attested to the decency of Virginia Ikeagu’s life included Dame Ngozi Nwanosike, Director of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) for Onitsha Archdiocese, and Hon. Jude Umennajiego, the Member representing Onitsha South 2 in the State House of Assembly, among others.
Dignitaries present at the burial included Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 Nigerian general election; Sly Ezeokenwa, the National Chairman of the APGA party; Very Rev. Fr. Innocent Egbunike, Chancellor of Aguleri Diocese; and several civil servants and clergy members from various Catholic parishes where Fr. Ikeagu had served.
