Chinenye Offor, a multimedia editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has buried her mother, Lady Eunice Chintua Offor, an educationist and entrepreneur who died aged 72.
The burial service was held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ohokobe/Umuohu Ndume Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State.
The funeral programme started with a service of songs by the Knights and Ladies (KSC), family and friends who gathered at her residence, and later a Christian wake on September. 3.
The deceased was laid to rest on Friday, September 4, 2026, at her country home in Umuohu Ndume Ibeku, Umuahia.
The funeral service was officiated by the Anglican Communion Bishop Umuahia Diocese, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Goeffery Ibeabuchi, and attracted many dignitaries, including government officials.
Rev. Canon Adolphous Baba, who preached at the funeral service, said the greatest decision one can make is to make peace and maintain a good relationship with God while alive, adding that death was a reminder that life is short.
He described the late Lady Eunice Offor as a woman who feared and loved God, noting that her service to God and humanity was worthy of emulation.
According to him, death is inevitable, but when a saint dies like Lady Offor, “it’s a plus to heaven because heaven gained a soul.”
Baba, therefore, enjoined people to live a life worthy of emulation, adding that it was the best legacy to leave behind.
The deceased’s first child /daughter, Nnenna Offor, described her as a woman with many sides — a home builder, lover of God and humanity, prayer warrior, peace maker, courageous, bold and a counsellor.
She added that Lady Offor was a philanthropist, a giver, and a compassionate person with a love that transcended far above the realm.
According to her, Lady Offor was her first teacher. She recounted how she taught her how to cook at age 12.
She added that she also taught her kindness, how to pray, have faith in God, to love without restrictions, and to always stand on the side of truth.
Also speaking, Chinenye Offor of NAN described her late mum as a virtuous woman, a pace setter, goal getter, and a woman per excellence.
She said her mum was her first teacher and attributed her resilience, straightforwardness, and strong-willed attitude to the virtues her mum instilled in her.
She recounted how her late mum always encouraged her and ensured that she became independent, saying that “an independent woman is a valued currency.”
“My mum taught me how to save, do business, and invest, telling me that nothing is small when it comes to starting a business or buying stocks and shares.
“I remember when I visited Abuja for the first time, in 2000 it was courtesy of my mum. She used 100 dollars to register for a conference , International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) my older sister and I attended.
“When I wanted to travel to the US in 2015, I had no money. She volunteered to pay for my fare and other expenses.
“My mum lived a life worthy of emulation, and emulating her lifestyle in all ramifications was the first certificate I obtained, and that certificate has shaped the exceptional woman I have become.
“Her passing is painful, but my assurance is that she has gone to be with the Lord because heaven gained a soul,” she said.
In the same vein, her first son, Mr. Chigozie Offor described his mum as a woman full of empathy and a lover of God who impacted many lives throughout her lifetime.
He added that his mother taught him how to pray, be courageous, and always stand for the truth.
According to him, no matter how busy the mother was, she made out time for her children, offering wise words and prayers.
“I will miss my mum’s prayers, calls, and words of encouragement. She always worked tirelessly to make sure each and every one of us was safe, healthy, and thriving.
“Though you are no longer with us, your presence is still felt every day. Your laughter, wisdom, and love are woven into my life, echoing in my thoughts and actions.
“In my actions, I carry forward your legacy, honouring the lessons you taught me and striving to live in a way that would make you proud,” he added.
Also, Mr. Piri Diepiri, son-in-law to the deceased, said he was blessed to have Mama as his mother-in-law, adding that she was not just a mother-in-law, but he saw her as his real mother.
According to him, “My wife and I learnt teachable life lessons from Mama, who called and treated me as her son. From her, we learnt several secrets that have made our marriage exemplary and anchored on God’s grace and foundation.
“Mama taught us to avoid pitfalls associated with exposing our marriage to third parties’ influence. Consequently, our two families are so closely knit, and in my wife, I see Mama’s legacy of a home builder, a peace maker, a God-sent, and a gifted counsellor.
“From Mama, we also picked up a key lesson in parenting — that is to always correct our children with love and pray for them at all times.
“My wife is inconsolable that her best friend and confidant has gone, but we take comfort that Mama lived and died in Christ Jesus.
“A devoted, peaceful, and God-fearing servant of the Most High. Mama lived a fulfilled life and has joined her beloved husband in the bosom of the Lord,” he stated.
Also, Chief M. Adebayo, another son-in-law, said Lady Offor was not a mother-in-law to him but a mother, as she never saw him as a son-in-law but called him “my son” adding that anytime she had the opportunity to introduce him to anyone its always meet my son
He added that even in far away overseas where he resides, Mama would always ensure she called him on every first day of the month to offer prayers, not minding the difference in time zones.
According to him, Mama’s lifestyle of sacrifice, love, kindness, and hard work were attributes she had embedded in his wife.
“It’s really hard for me, I am heartbroken because Mama and I had plans this year that didn’t come to fruition. I will miss Mama’s kindness, generosity, and benevolence.
“I will miss her presence, prayers, and the local delicacies she prepared for me whenever I am in Nigeria, like Ukazi soup and Ugba served with stockfish.
“My consolation is that she lived a good life and left a lasting legacy that has transcended into her children and beyond,” he added.
Lady Offor was born in January 1954 to the late Mr and Mrs Nzewata Onyenweama of Ohokobe Ndume in Umuahia North. She died on May 18, 2026, at the age of 72.
Lady Offor was a devoted member of the Order of Knights and Ladies of St. Christopher, Umuahia Diocese. She also served as a Lay Reader in the church.
She was known for her generosity, compassion, and commitment to the vulnerable, particularly women, the elderly, and widows.
She was married to the late Sir Jonah Offor, KSC, of Umuohu Ndume Ibeku.
She is survived by eight children, 12 grandchildren, sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, siblings, and other relatives.
As a teacher, Lady Offor devoted her professional life to educating and mentoring young people.
She was passionate about women empowerment and encouraged them to pursue self-reliance.
The deceased will be remembered for her dedication to education, entrepreneurship, Christian service, and support for vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, widows, and women.
Her life was defined by service to God and humanity, and she would be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.
The Editor, on behalf of her family, has expressed appreciation to friends and well-wishers who came from far and near to join them in paying their final respects to the deceased during the funeral.