Emotions As Aniocha South Lawmaker Remembers Late Father

By Patrick Ogbogu

Emotions took the better part of the member representing Aniocha South constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Angela Nwaka when she celebrated the one year memorial service of her late father, Pa Gabriel Nwafor Nwaka at St Mary's Immaculate Church, Ogwashi-Uku amid prayers,worship songs and thanksgiving offering.

As she spoke, her voice was emotion-laden and she frequently wiped her face with a white handkerchief. Hon Angela Nwaka and her aged, but young looking mother and sympathizers wore a solemn look as they prayed by the grave side of the deceased with the officiating Catholic Priest, Stan.

The atmosphere was calm and quiet but it was obvious that the deceased family and his kinsmen and women will find it difficult to find a replacement for him

Until his death on June 27 last year, the late Pa Gabriel Nwaka was an educationist, socialite, community leader and devout Christian who brought up his children with the fear of God.

Pa Nwaka was also remembered for given his children, both male and female, quality education because of his belief that education is the biggest legacy to bequeath the children and upcoming generation.

Hon Angela Nwaka while speaking by the grave side on behalf of the Nwaka family, noted that the family is consoled by the life of honesty, humility and forthrightness led by their late father, Pa Nwafor Nwaka.

She described the deceased as an educationist, community leader, socialite, worthy ambassador of Aniocha South and devout Christian who showed immeasurable love to people, especially wife and children.

“One Year Gone. Today, we remember our late father, Pa Gabriel Nwafor Nwaka. On behalf of the entire family and people of Ogwashi-Uku , Aniocha South LG, we remember a great family man, selfless leader, loving father , consummate community leader, patriot and charismatic gentleman who passed on one year ago. He was always loving and caring and wanted the best for us. Papa, we shall always live by your ideal of devoted service to the people. May Almighty God grant you eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord in Jesus Name, Amen!”

The female lawmaker used the opportunity to appreciate people who sympathized with them during their period of grieve and prayed God to guide, sustain and protect their lives.

“We are deeply touched by the numerous calls, visits, prayers and words of encouragement and the show of love and sympathy during the burial ceremony. Your acts of kindness and generosity have made our burden bearable. Thank you from the depths of our hearts. Our late dad was not only a wonderful husband to a wonderful wife, he was an uncommon father to all." Angela concluded

The officiating minister and Vicar of Ogwashi-Uku region, Rev. Stan, said Pa Gabriel Nwaka's legacies supersedes wealth adding that what most people seek to emulate from him is humility.
In his sermon, the clergyman described death as a permanent rest that is free from all of life’s worries and calamities.

While describing late Gabriel Nwaka as a great man and devout Christian who has lived a fulfilled life and has touched a lot of lives, Revd. Stan commended the deceased children for their unity and unflinching support for their mother, while appealing to the family to keep the legacy of their father alive and urged Christians to do all they can to make their life straight with God, saying that the time is short..