Obi Obeti Mourns as Rev. Christopher Ogwu Laid to Rest

The quiet farming community of Obi Obeti in Ukwuani Local Government Area stood still as hundreds of mourners, church leaders, educators, and community members gathered to celebrate the remarkable life of Reverend Christopher Ukomeh Ogwu, who was laid to rest at the age of 86.

Rather than a ceremony defined by grief, the funeral service transformed into a vibrant celebration of purpose, faith, and public service.

Family and dignitaries from across Delta State paid glowing tributes to the retired educator, minister, and community leader whose legacy spanned decades of classroom teaching and pioneer church planting.

Delivering the funeral sermon titled “Live Before You Die,” Reverend Chuck Obiazikwo of the Christ Chosen Church of God urged attendees to live intentional lives grounded in service to God and humanity.

“Live before you die because it is a privilege to have life,” Rev. Obiazikwo declared, referencing Ecclesiastes 3 and Hebrews 9:27. “When you die, you go and face judgment.

“The only hope we have as Christians after death is Christ Jesus. We should emulate the life of Rev. Ogwu—let people know you for good, kindness, and godliness.”

Born on January 1, 1938, in Obi Obeti, Rev. Ogwu’s early life was marked by severe hardship. Following his father’s early death when Ogwu was just 17, he immediately assumed heavy family responsibilities.

Determined not to let poverty restrict his future, he worked as a rubber tapper at the Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation to fund his early education.

Ogwu earned his Teachers’ Grade II Certificate in 1976, a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the University of Benin in 1982, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English) from Delta State University, Abraka, in 1993.

He inspired generations of students before retiring honorably from the Delta State Civil Service in November 2008.

After joining the Christ Chosen Church of God in the early 1970s, he introduced the denomination to his hometown as a pioneer minister.

After retirement, he enrolled in the Christ Chosen Seminary in 2009, serving actively in Edo State, Benin City, and other stations until his formal retirement from ministry in 2021.

Throughout his life, Rev. Ogwu was defined by his intense prayer routine, famously declaring: “There is nothing God cannot do. If you pray and do not see results, add fasting, and heaven will surely respond.”

During the emotional tribute segment, family and former students shared intimate memories of his guidance:

One of his sons, Mr Anderson, Ogwu, recalled that though his father was not always part of his early life, he cherished the opportunity to reconcile.

“In his old age, my father accepted me, and we reconciled before he passed away. Those few months we spent together became some of the happiest moments of our lives.

“The greatest comfort in my heart is knowing that my father walked faithfully with God and never gave up his faith.”

Another son, Rev. Chukwunede Ukomeh, described his father as an “unwavering pillar of faith” whose daily life reflected every word he preached from the pulpit.

“His favourite words, ‘There is nothing God cannot do,’ remain deeply engraved in our hearts.”

Chukwuka Ukome, recalled childhood night vigils, sharing how his father’s endurance in prayer served as a lifelong textbook on devotion.

“One day as we prayed together through the night, I dozed off only to wake up almost two hours later and he was still praying.”

His first daughter, Regina Ogwu, appreciated God for the loving father he was all through his life time. “He loved all without discrimination,” she recalled.

Mrs. Christiana Okpo, another daughter of the deceased, highlighted his unwavering generosity toward church work and noted that he continued praying for his family up until his final moments.

One of his last twin daughters, Rebecca Ogwu, recalled his final directive to the family: “Hold God well.”

Mrs. Kelechi Ukome, daughter-in-law, shared how warmly he welcomed her, recalling,

“He called me ‘My Kelechi.’ I even learned how to cook Okpa because he said it would help his recovery after his stroke. I wished God had granted him the 120 years he always prayed for.”

A cousin to the deceased, Chief Maurice Peter Izu, described Rev Ogwu as his confidant.

“When the news of his demise came, discomfort and vacuum manifested.

“Because of his love for God, he brought Christ Chosen Church of God to Obi Obeti from Urhonigbe Branch and led many people to Christ including my humble self.”

Ogwezi Anthony, Noted that the late cleric’s impact extended far beyond English lessons, writing, “He taught me that a comma can save a life and a metaphor can heal a heart. His red pen never felt like judgment, but hope.”

Rev. Ogwu was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Roseline Ndidi Ogwu. He is survived by ten children, numerous grandchildren, and a wide network of former students and congregants who continue to draw inspiration from his footprints of faith.