Bishop Onah Lays to Rest the Wife of his Former Driver; A Reflection on Faith and Resurrection

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah presided over the burial of Ndidiamaka Okeanya (née Okagu), the beloved wife of his former driver. In a solemn ceremony filled with grief and hope at St Francis Parish, Abbi, Bishop Onah reminded all present that only faith in the resurrection can truly console us in the face of death. He prayed for Ndidiamaka’s soul, asking God to welcome her into His eternal kingdom and to provide strength and comfort to her husband and left behind.

Fr. George Aba, in his consoling homily, began by singing a heartfelt hymn for the repose of Regina Okeanya, setting a reflective tone for the sacred moment. He drew a powerful analogy to a mango tree, illustrating the stark contrast between ripe and unripe fruit as a metaphor for the pain of untimely death. Fr. Aba thoughtfully expressed the emotional turmoil that accompanies such losses, emphasizing the deep sorrow that often arises from separation.

Continuing his reflective homily, Fr. George Aba drew from the Gospel of John, where Jesus reassures His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled.” He connected this sentiment to the uncertainty faced by the disciples in Luke 20, who were preoccupied with questions of leadership and direction. Fr. Aba noted the complexity of the personalities among Jesus’ followers, highlighting their fears and doubts, particularly regarding Peter’s earlier denial of Christ. As they grappled with their future, the weight of human calculations became evident in the pain of untimely death.

Fr. Aba challenged the congregation to transcend such calculations, referencing the faith of Isaac, who questioned, “Where is the lamb for sacrifice?” He contrasted this with Abraham’s unwavering trust, proclaiming, “I do not know, but all I know is that the Lord will provide.” This faith, he argued, is essential; continually calculating the uncertainties of life can hinder our progress and peace.

He poignantly recalled the story of St. Stephen, who, even as he faced execution, maintained a heavenly mindset, pleading for the forgiveness of his persecutors. In this act of grace, Stephen exemplified a trust in God that transcends human understanding, reminding the congregation that God’s ways are often beyond our comprehension.

Fr. Aba also referenced the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, illustrating how Zacchaeus, determined to see Jesus, ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. In doing so, he demonstrated the importance of maintaining both horizontal relationships with others and vertical ones with God. Fr. Aba emphasized that while human calculations may lead one to remain in the treetops, it is faith that brings Jesus into our homes, offering salvation and transformation.

Through these powerful narratives, Fr. Aba encouraged the congregation to embrace faith over fear, reminding them that even amidst uncertainty and loss, there is a profound hope found in trusting God’s providence. He invited all present to reflect on their own relationships with God and each other, urging them to seek the divine presence that offers peace and salvation in every circumstance.

Fr. George Aba further articulated the complexities of human existence during his homily, stating, “This earth has no complete happiness. You can only find moments of joy interspersed with times of tears.” He referenced John 16:22, where Jesus promises, “The joy I will give you, the world cannot give it to you.” This joy, he explained, stems from the blessedness of being in God’s presence, regardless of life’s circumstances.

He candidly shared his personal journey through grief, recalling the loss of two siblings. In his sorrow, he found himself consumed by calculations of agony until Bishop Onah offered him solace. “The distance between life and death is grace,” he reflected, emphasizing that the true savior is the unwavering joy that the world cannot diminish.

Fr. Aba also challenged cultural perceptions surrounding death, noting that whether one lived in 1922 or 2025, the question of what lies behind a sudden death often leads to unnecessary bondage as many, in spite of their academic qualifications and enlightenment, still offer superstitious explanations to death situations. Nevertheless, he reassured the mourners that there exists a joy that death cannot take away, a reassurance that resonates deeply in times of loss.

Turning his attention to the deceased, he noted, “Fortunate enough, she died in active service, in pregnancy,” suggesting a hopeful legacy. He comforted her husband, Onyeka Okeanya, “Probity,” assuring him that their daughters would provide great consolation to him in future. He affirmed that Ndidiamaka was a true Christian, confident that the joy of eternal life would be granted to her.

In this heartfelt reflection, Fr. Aba reminded all present that even amidst sorrow, faith provides a profound source of hope and joy, reassuring them that their loved one would find peace in the embrace of God’s love.

As the Eucharistic celebration neared its conclusion, Rev. Fr. Jude Okagu, the parish priest, took a moment to express gratitude for the life of Regina Okeanya. “I thank God for the gift of Regina to us,” he began, acknowledging the impact she had on the community. He also extended thanks to Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah for solidarizing with them at this great loss. He further thanked the diocesan secretary, Rev. Fr Dr Cajetan Iyidobi, personal secretary, Rev Fr Henry Attama, the dean, Rev. Fr Camilus Ugwuibe, the cathedral administrator, Rev. Fr Ikenna Anieke, the master of ceremonies, Rev Fr Vitus Odo, and the devoted priests who assisted in the Eucharistic celebration, especially the homilist, Rev Fr Dr George Aba. He recognized the invaluable contributions of the cathedral choir, church wardens, security personnel, and altar boys and girls, and offered prayers for their continued favor.

Mr. Onyeka Okeanya, the late Regina’s husband, also took the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you, Fr. Bishop, for making time to be here today. May God bless you,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. He extended his appreciation to several bishops, including Bishop Hassan Kuka of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Diocese, Bishop John Okoye of Awgu Diocese, Bishop Jonas Benson of Nnewi Diocese, and Bishop Denis Isizor of Aguleri, for their prayers and supportive messages during this difficult time.

Mr. Okeanya concluded by thanking all the priests in attendance for their prayers and unwavering support, reinforcing the sense of community and solidarity that characterized the day. This collective expression of gratitude served as a wonderful reminder of the bonds formed through faith and shared experiences, providing comfort in the face of loss.

In his closing remarks, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah addressed the congregation with heartfelt reflection on the sudden death of Regina Okeanya. He acknowledged the profound difficulty of such loss, emphasizing that it is ultimately a journey of faith. “There are too many ‘ifs,’” he noted, but found solace in the comforting words of Fr. George Aba during the homily.

Bishop Onah shared his own experiences of grief, recalling the recent loss of a priest and his late sister-in-law, expressing the common sentiment of wishing circumstances could have been different. He extended his gratitude to the hospital staff, urging them to take responsibility in their roles: “When we lose somebody in the hospital, let all the medical personnel, in conscience, say we did our best. Carelessness should not absolve one from accountability.”

He thanked his fellow bishops and the priests present for their support, recognizing the gravity of burying a young life amidst heightened security concerns in their community. “We must accept that evil is evil,” he stated, calling attention to the root causes of insecurity that often stem from malpractices in schools. “Let everybody sit up and do the right thing,” he urged, highlighting the collective responsibility to foster a safer environment.

Addressing Onyeka, Regina’s husband, Bishop Onah expressed gratitude for his ability to speak during such a painful time and reiterated the wisdom shared by Fr. Aba in his homily. He reminded Onyeka that despite the tragedy, the living must continue to thrive and be vigilant for the sake of their children.

He also congratulated Onyeka’s daughter, Ekpereamaka, for her commendable reading during the Holy Mass, acknowledging the strength and resilience of the family. “Regina has done her best, and God will accept her, along with her prayers for her family,” he concluded, reinforcing the belief in eternal life and divine acceptance.

Fr. Ikenna Anieke then led the congregation in the prayer of final commendation, and Bishop Onah proceeded to the grave site to lay Regina to rest, demonstrating his compassionate leadership and commitment to supporting the grieving family in their time of need.

Teclus Ike Ugwueze